to continue ~ing, to keep ~ing

Beginner

15-20 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses continuation of an action.

[Verb ます-stem] + 続ける

3時間走り続けました。

Sanjikan hashiritsuzukemashita.

I kept running for 3 hours.

彼女は泣き続けている。

Kanojo wa nakitsuzukete iru.

She keeps crying.

Emphasizes continuous, uninterrupted action.

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

Shows persistence or endurance.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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