A2 verb #500 le plus courant 2 min de lecture

계속하다

To keep doing something without stopping.

Practice it

Explanation at your level:

You use 계속하다 when you don't want to stop. If you are eating and you want more, you keep eating. In Korean, you say '계속 먹어요'. It is a very simple way to say 'keep doing'. You can use it with many verbs. Just remember to put it after the action you are doing.

At this level, you can use 계속하다 to talk about your daily habits. For example, '저는 한국어를 계속 공부해요' (I continue to study Korean). It helps you explain that you are not stopping your progress. It is very useful for talking about school or work tasks that take a long time.

Intermediate learners use 계속하다 to describe ongoing processes. You might say '비가 계속 와요' (It keeps raining). Notice how it connects to the weather or long-term projects. It is a great way to show that you understand how to describe duration and persistence in your daily life.

At the upper-intermediate level, you can use 계속하다 to discuss abstract concepts like 'continuing a conversation' or 'maintaining a relationship'. You might hear '관계를 계속하다' (to continue a relationship). It shows a higher level of fluency when you use it to describe abstract states rather than just physical actions.

Advanced speakers use 계속하다 in formal, professional, and academic contexts. You might use it in a report: '프로젝트를 계속할 예정입니다' (We plan to continue the project). It conveys a sense of professional commitment and endurance. You can also use it to emphasize the relentless nature of a situation, adding nuance to your arguments.

At the mastery level, 계속하다 is used to nuance the flow of narrative or discourse. You might use it to describe the persistence of historical trends or cultural phenomena. It implies a deep understanding of continuity. You can also use it in literary contexts to express the 'endless' nature of human emotion or time, showing a sophisticated command of the language.

Mot en 30 secondes

  • Means to continue.
  • Regular '하다' verb.
  • Used in all contexts.
  • Opposite of stop.

계속하다 is a foundational Korean verb that you will use every single day. It essentially means to 'continue' or 'keep on' doing something. Think of it as the opposite of stopping or quitting.

When you use this verb, you are telling the listener that an action is persistent. Whether you are studying, running, or talking, adding 계속하다 shows that the action has not reached a conclusion yet. It is a very versatile word that fits into almost any conversation, from casual chats to serious business meetings.

The word 계속하다 is derived from the Sino-Korean characters 繼續 (계속). In this compound, 계 (繼) means to succeed or follow, and 속 (續) means to connect or continue.

Historically, these characters were used in classical texts to describe the passing of power or the connecting of lineages. Over time, the term evolved from its formal, scholarly roots into a common verb used in everyday vernacular. It reflects the East Asian linguistic tradition of combining characters to create precise, logical verbs that describe the flow of time and action.

You will often see 계속하다 used with the particle '-어서' or simply placed after a verb stem. For example, '공부를 계속하다' means 'to continue studying.'

In casual speech, people often shorten it to just '계속' as an adverb, like '계속 해!' (Keep doing it!). It is highly flexible and can be used in almost any register. Whether you are telling a friend to keep walking or telling a colleague to continue a project, this word is your go-to choice for maintaining momentum.

While 계속하다 is a standard verb, it appears in many common phrases. 1. 계속해서 (continuously/furthermore), used to link ideas. 2. 계속되다 (to be continued), often seen at the end of TV episodes. 3. 계속해서 말하다 (to keep talking). 4. 계속해서 노력하다 (to keep trying). 5. 계속해서 가다 (to keep going forward).

Grammatically, 계속하다 functions as a regular '하다' verb. This means it conjugates easily: '계속해요' (polite), '계속했다' (past), and '계속할 거예요' (future).

Pronunciation-wise, focus on the ㄲ (double consonant) sound, which is a tense, sharp sound in the throat. Ensure you don't aspirate the 'k' too much. It rhymes rhythmically with other '하다' verbs, making it easy to memorize once you master the basic conjugation pattern.

Fun Fact

The characters 繼續 are also used in Japanese and Chinese with similar meanings.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡje.sok.ha.da/

Crisp 'gy' sound, short 'e', sharp 'k'.

US /ɡje.sok.ha.da/

Similar to UK, focus on double consonant 'kk'.

Common Errors

  • Pronouncing ㄲ as ㅋ
  • Missing the tense quality of ㄲ
  • Blending 'ha' too quickly

Rhymes With

복잡하다 답답하다 적당하다 비슷하다 유명하다

Difficulty Rating

Lecture 1/5

Easy to read

Writing 2/5

Standard

Speaking 2/5

Common

Écoute 1/5

Clear

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

하다 공부 일

Learn Next

지속하다 유지하다 연속하다

Avanc

영속하다 계승하다

Grammar to Know

Verb conjugation

먹다 -> 먹어요

Object particles

를/을

Sino-Korean roots

계속

Examples by Level

1

계속 하세요.

Continue (polite)

Imperative form.

2

계속 먹어요.

3

계속 가요.

4

계속 자요.

5

계속 봐요.

6

계속 들어요.

7

계속 말해요.

8

계속 읽어요.

1

공부를 계속해요.

2

운동을 계속해요.

3

일을 계속해요.

4

이야기를 계속해요.

5

음악을 계속 들어요.

6

비가 계속 와요.

7

전화를 계속해요.

8

연습을 계속해요.

1

회의를 계속합시다.

2

노력을 계속해야 해요.

3

그는 계속 웃었어요.

4

영화를 계속 봤어요.

5

계속해서 생각했어요.

6

그녀는 계속 기다렸어요.

7

계속해서 발전해요.

8

계속해서 질문했어요.

1

프로젝트를 계속 진행합니다.

2

관계를 계속 유지해요.

3

논의를 계속할 필요가 있어요.

4

계속해서 변화하고 있어요.

5

그는 계속해서 주장했어요.

6

연구를 계속할 것입니다.

7

계속해서 도전하세요.

8

계속해서 성장하고 있습니다.

1

그는 학업을 계속하기로 했습니다.

2

실험을 계속 수행할 예정입니다.

3

논란이 계속되고 있습니다.

4

계속해서 압박을 가했습니다.

5

그는 계속해서 침묵을 지켰습니다.

6

상황이 계속 악화되고 있어요.

7

계속해서 협력합시다.

8

계속해서 검토해 보겠습니다.

1

역사는 계속해서 반복됩니다.

2

그는 계속해서 진리를 탐구했습니다.

3

계속해서 이어지는 전통입니다.

4

논쟁은 계속해서 가열되었습니다.

5

그는 계속해서 자신의 신념을 지켰습니다.

6

계속해서 변화하는 세상입니다.

7

그의 열정은 계속해서 타올랐습니다.

8

계속해서 전해지는 이야기입니다.

Collocations courantes

공부를 계속하다
일을 계속하다
계속해서 말하다
계속해서 노력하다
계속해서 가다
계속해서 듣다
계속해서 생각하다
계속해서 기다리다
계속해서 질문하다
계속해서 웃다

Idioms & Expressions

"계속해서"

continuously

계속해서 비가 와요.

neutral

"계속되다"

to be continued

다음 편에 계속됩니다.

neutral

"계속 가다"

to keep going

계속 가세요.

neutral

"계속하다 보면"

if you keep doing it

계속하다 보면 잘하게 될 거예요.

neutral

"계속해서 말하지만"

as I keep saying

계속해서 말하지만, 그건 안 돼요.

neutral

"계속해서 지켜보다"

to keep watching

계속해서 지켜볼게요.

neutral

Easily Confused

계속하다 vs 지속하다

Both mean continue.

지속하다 is more formal/abstract.

프로젝트를 지속하다 vs 공부를 계속하다.

계속하다 vs 멈추다

Antonym.

Stop vs Continue.

멈추지 마세요 vs 계속하세요.

계속하다 vs 연속하다

Similar Sino-Korean root.

Occurring in succession.

연속 승리 vs 계속 노력.

계속하다 vs 유지하다

Similar meaning.

Maintain vs Continue.

건강을 유지하다 vs 일을 계속하다.

Sentence Patterns

A1

Subject + Object + 를 + 계속하다

나는 공부를 계속합니다.

A2

Verb + -어서 + 계속하다

먹어서 계속합니다.

B1

Adverb + 계속하다

빨리 계속하세요.

B1

Subject + 이/가 + 계속되다

비가 계속됩니다.

B2

계속해서 + Verb

계속해서 노력하세요.

Famille de mots

Nouns

계속 continuation

Verbs

계속되다 to be continued

Adjectives

계속적인 continuous

Apparenté

지속 synonym in formal context

How to Use It

frequency

10

Formality Scale

계속하십시오 (Formal) 계속해요 (Polite) 계속해 (Casual) 계속 (Slang/Adverb)

Erreurs courantes

계속하다를 명사로 쓰기 → 계속
계속 is the noun/adverb, 계속하다 is the verb.
계속하다를 형용사로 쓰기 → 계속적인
계속하다 is a verb, not an adjective.
계속하다와 멈추다 혼동 → 문맥 확인
Don't mix up continue and stop.
계속하다 뒤에 잘못된 조사 → 을/를
Use object markers correctly.
계속하다와 지속되다 혼동 → 주어 확인
지속되다 is passive, 계속하다 is active.

Tips

💡

Memory Palace

Imagine a clock that never stops.

💡

Native Speakers

They often use '계속' as an adverb.

🌍

Cultural Insight

Persistence is highly valued in Korea.

💡

Grammar Shortcut

Just add '하다' to the noun '계속'.

💡

Say It Right

Focus on the ㄲ sound.

💡

Don't Make This Mistake

Don't use it as an adjective.

💡

Did You Know?

It comes from Sino-Korean roots.

💡

Study Smart

Use it with your daily tasks.

💡

Daily Habit

Write 3 sentences daily.

💡

Fluency Tip

Use '계속해서' for smoother transitions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'K'onveyor belt that keeps moving.

Visual Association

A person running on a treadmill.

Word Web

Endurance Persistence Time Action

Défi

Try to say 5 things you will continue doing today.

Origine du mot

Sino-Korean

Original meaning: To connect and follow

Contexte culturel

None

Directly maps to 'continue' or 'keep on'.

TV show endings often use '계속'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At work

  • 일을 계속하다
  • 회의를 계속하다
  • 프로젝트를 계속하다

At school

  • 공부를 계속하다
  • 질문을 계속하다
  • 연습을 계속하다

In daily life

  • 계속 가세요
  • 계속 먹어요
  • 계속 자요

In discussions

  • 계속해서 말하지만
  • 논의를 계속하다
  • 주장을 계속하다

Conversation Starters

"오늘 무엇을 계속하고 싶나요?"

"어떤 일을 계속하는 게 힘들어요?"

"계속해서 노력하는 게 왜 중요할까요?"

"무엇을 계속해서 배우고 싶나요?"

"계속해서 비가 오면 어떨까요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 계속한 일은 무엇인가요?

앞으로 계속하고 싶은 습관은?

무엇을 계속해서 공부하고 싶나요?

계속해서 꿈을 꾸는 것은 왜 중요한가요?

Questions fréquentes

8 questions

계속했어요.

It can be used in all levels.

Yes, with the object marker.

지속하다 is more formal/abstract.

Yes, '비가 계속 와요'.

Yes, it is a regular '하다' verb.

Yes, '그는 계속 달렸어요'.

Use '-어서 계속하다'.

Teste-toi

fill blank A1

공부를 ___.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 계속하다

To continue studying.

multiple choice A2

Which means 'to continue'?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : 계속하다

계속하다 is the correct verb.

true false B1

계속하다 is a noun.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Faux

It is a verb.

match pairs B1

Word

Signification

All matched!

Noun vs Verb.

sentence order B2

Touche les mots ci-dessous pour construire la phrase
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Subject-Object-Verb order.

Score : /5

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