つづける

JLPT Level: N4

Meanings

to continue doing something

to carry on with

to keep at (an activity)

to keep on

Usage

V-ます-stem + つづける

V-てつづける

N + つづける

Adj-い + つづける

Note: つづける is used to express continuing an action or state initiated earlier, often with a sense of persistence or ongoing effort.

Explanation

つづける is a verb meaning to continue or keep on doing something. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of an action from a starting point or ongoing effort. It is often used to describe continuing an activity, habit, or process over time. The action is typically started earlier and is continued for a period, sometimes despite obstacles or interruptions. The pattern pairs the verb’s stem (or te-form in compounds) with つづける, and can take various forms to connect with different tenses or nouns.

毎日日本語を勉強しつづける。

まいにちにほんごをべんきょうしつづける。

I continue studying Japanese every day.

彼は話をつづける。

かれははなしをつづける。

He continues the story.

雨が降っていたが、彼女は走りつづけた。

あめがふっていたが、かのじょははしりつづけた。

It was raining, but she kept running.

このプロジェクトをつづけていきたい。

I want to keep this project going.