Translation guide
Expresses that an action continues without any pause or interruption. Often used for emphasis in literary or rhetorical contexts.
To say that someone does something continuously, without stopping even for a moment.
A common, natural way to say 'without resting/pausing'. Can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は休むことなく働き続けた。
He kept working without a break.
Means 'incessantly' or 'without a gap'. Slightly more literary, but still common.
絶え間なく雨が降っている。
It's been raining without a pause.
Literally 'without even taking a breath'. Emphasizes no pause at all, often for speaking or rapid action.
彼女は一息もつかずに話し続けた。
She kept talking without nary a pause.
Formal/literary term meaning 'without interruption'. Often used in written descriptions.
間断なく続く作業に疲れた。
I got tired from the work that continued without a pause.
To emphasize that someone acts immediately, without pausing to think.
Means 'without hesitating'. Natural for actions taken without pause.
彼はためらうことなく質問に答えた。
He answered the question without nary a pause.
The English phrase 'with nary a pause' is somewhat literary or old-fashioned. In Japanese, there is no direct equivalent that carries the same folksy tone. Instead, use natural adverbial phrases like 休むことなく or 絶え間なく. Do not attempt to translate 'nary' literally.
Idiomatic: 'without a moment's delay'. Often used for quick replies or reactions.
間髪を入れずに反論した。
He objected without a pause.