이 페이지를 내 언어로

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 verb #1,500 가장 일반적인 15분 분량

continuer

상위 1,500

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 continuer 30초 만에

설명 continuer in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'continuer' is introduced as a highly practical, everyday verb used to describe basic routines and give simple directions. Learners at this stage focus primarily on the present tense conjugation: je continue, tu continues, il/elle continue, nous continuons, vous continuez, ils/elles continuent. The primary goal is to understand and produce simple sentences indicating that an action is not stopping. For example, a learner might say 'Je continue mon travail' (I continue my work) or understand a teacher saying 'Continuez l'exercice' (Continue the exercise). A critical grammatical point introduced at this level is the necessity of using the prepositions 'à' or 'de' when linking 'continuer' to another verb in the infinitive, such as 'Je continue à étudier' (I continue to study). This helps break the habit of directly translating the English '-ing' form. Furthermore, 'continuer' is essential for basic navigation; learners are taught phrases like 'Continuez tout droit' (Continue straight ahead) to understand street directions. The vocabulary surrounding the verb at this level is concrete and immediate, dealing with daily activities, school tasks, and physical movement. Mastery at A1 means being able to recognize the verb in spoken and written forms, conjugate it accurately in the present tense, and use it to express the simple continuation of a current, tangible action without complex grammatical structures.

Moving into the A2 level, the usage of 'continuer' expands significantly as learners begin to narrate past events and express future intentions. The focus shifts to mastering the passé composé (j'ai continué) and the imparfait (je continuais). This allows learners to distinguish between an action that continued for a specific period in the past ('Il a continué à pleuvoir pendant une heure') and an ongoing background action ('Il continuait de parler quand je suis parti'). The future tense (je vais continuer, je continuerai) is also practiced to discuss plans and resolutions. At this stage, learners become more comfortable with the interchangeable nature of 'continuer à' and 'continuer de', using them fluidly in longer, more descriptive sentences. The contexts in which the verb is used broaden to include hobbies, travel, and simple professional tasks. For instance, an A2 learner might write a short paragraph about their weekend, stating, 'Après le déjeuner, nous avons continué notre visite du musée.' They also begin to use 'continuer' with simple adverbs, such as 'continuer toujours' (to always continue) or 'continuer encore' (to continue still). The goal at A2 is to integrate 'continuer' seamlessly into chronological narratives, allowing for more dynamic storytelling and a better description of the flow of time in both past and future contexts.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B1 level, learners possess a solid grasp of the basic tenses and begin to explore the conditional mood and more complex sentence structures involving 'continuer'. They use the conditional (je continuerais) to express hypothetical situations or polite suggestions, such as 'Je continuerais à chercher si j'étais toi' (I would keep looking if I were you). The vocabulary associated with 'continuer' becomes more abstract, moving beyond physical actions to include continuing traditions, relationships, and intellectual pursuits. Learners are expected to understand and produce sentences with subordinate clauses, such as 'Bien qu'il soit fatigué, il continue de travailler' (Although he is tired, he continues to work). This level also introduces the concept of using 'continuer' in professional and formal correspondence, where phrases like 'Nous continuerons à vous informer' (We will continue to keep you informed) are common. Furthermore, B1 learners start to recognize the subtle differences between 'continuer' and its synonyms like 'poursuivre' or 'maintenir', beginning to choose the most appropriate verb based on the context. They can engage in debates or discussions, using 'continuer' to argue for the persistence of a policy or an idea. Mastery at B1 means using the verb flexibly across various tenses and moods to articulate nuanced thoughts and participate in sustained conversations on familiar topics.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

In the B2 level, the use of 'continuer' becomes highly sophisticated, reflecting a deep understanding of French syntax and register. Learners are now expected to use the subjunctive mood correctly when required by preceding expressions, although 'continuer' itself does not trigger the subjunctive. Instead, they might use it within subjunctive clauses: 'Il est important que nous continuions nos efforts' (It is important that we continue our efforts). The focus is on precision and stylistic variation. B2 learners actively employ synonyms like 'poursuivre', 'persévérer', and 'prolonger' to avoid repetition and elevate their language, especially in written essays and formal presentations. They understand idiomatic expressions and colloquial uses of the verb. In professional contexts, they can draft detailed reports or emails using 'continuer' to outline ongoing strategies and future projections. The contexts are often abstract, dealing with societal trends, economic developments, or complex personal narratives. For example, 'L'économie continue de croître malgré la crise' (The economy continues to grow despite the crisis). They also master the passive voice and pronominal forms where applicable, though 'continuer' is primarily active. At this stage, errors regarding 'à' vs 'de' or the use of the present participle are virtually eliminated, and the verb is used with native-like intuition to express continuity in complex, multi-clause arguments.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C1 level, the learner's command of 'continuer' is near-native, characterized by an effortless integration of the verb into highly complex, abstract, and academic discourse. The focus is no longer on grammar, which is assumed to be perfect, but on rhetorical impact and stylistic elegance. C1 users can manipulate the verb to create specific literary or persuasive effects. They understand the historical nuances and the very subtle, almost imperceptible differences between 'continuer à' and 'continuer de' that might be debated by purists, even if they use them interchangeably in daily speech. They employ 'continuer' in sophisticated syntactical structures, such as inversions for stylistic emphasis: 'Continue-t-il de croire en ces chimères ?' (Does he continue to believe in these illusions?). The vocabulary surrounding the verb is rich and varied, encompassing specialized jargon in fields like law, politics, science, and literature. They can read classic French literature and fully grasp how authors use 'continuer' to build tension or develop character arcs over long passages. In spoken French, they can participate fluidly in high-level debates, using the verb to defend complex philosophical positions or analyze ongoing global phenomena with precision. Mastery at C1 means that 'continuer' is merely a tool used flawlessly within a vast, highly developed linguistic repertoire.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C2 level, the mastery of 'continuer' represents the pinnacle of linguistic competence, reflecting a deep, intuitive, and culturally embedded understanding of the French language. C2 speakers use the verb with absolute precision, adapting their register effortlessly from the most formal, archaic literary styles to contemporary, colloquial slang. They are aware of the etymological roots of the word and how its usage has evolved over centuries. In academic or philosophical writing, they can use 'continuer' to discuss the continuity of existence, historical paradigms, or complex theoretical frameworks. They can play with the word, using it in puns, double entendres, or highly creative metaphors. They understand regional variations in its usage across the Francophone world, if any exist. At this level, a speaker might intentionally break grammatical rules for stylistic effect, knowing exactly why and how they are doing it. They can critically analyze texts, identifying how the specific choice of 'continuer' over a synonym like 'poursuivre' alters the fundamental tone of a political speech or a poetic stanza. The verb is fully internalized, requiring no conscious thought to conjugate or construct; it flows naturally as part of a sophisticated, highly articulate, and culturally resonant expression of thought.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

continuer 30초 만에

Means 'to continue' or 'to keep doing'.
Regular -er verb conjugation.
Followed by 'à' or 'de' + infinitive.
Can take a direct object (noun).

The French verb 'continuer' is a fundamental lexical item that translates directly to 'to continue', 'to keep doing something', or 'to proceed without interruption' in English. It is a regular -er verb, which makes its conjugation highly predictable and accessible for learners at the CEFR A1 level. Understanding 'continuer' is essential because it allows speakers to express the ongoing nature of an action, the persistence of a state, or the physical extension of a movement. In everyday communication, expressing that an action is not stopping is just as important as expressing its beginning or its end. The concept of continuation is deeply embedded in how we structure narratives, describe routines, and give instructions. When you use 'continuer', you are signaling to your listener that the current trajectory—whether it is a physical path, a line of thought, a professional project, or a personal habit—remains active and unchanged. This verb can be used in a variety of contexts, ranging from the highly concrete, such as continuing to walk down a street, to the highly abstract, such as continuing to believe in a philosophical ideal. The versatility of 'continuer' is one of its greatest strengths. It can take a direct object, as in 'continuer une histoire' (to continue a story), or it can be followed by an infinitive verb to indicate the continuation of an action. When followed by an infinitive, it is typically linked by the prepositions 'à' or 'de'. Historically, there were subtle semantic differences between 'continuer à' and 'continuer de', but in modern spoken and written French, they are largely interchangeable, though some prescriptive grammarians might argue for slight nuances. Regardless of the preposition chosen, the core meaning remains the unbroken progression of an event. To fully grasp the utility of 'continuer', one must also appreciate its role in temporal expressions. It bridges the past, present, and future, indicating that what was happening before is still happening now and will likely happen next. This makes it an invaluable tool for storytelling and reporting. Furthermore, 'continuer' carries a positive connotation of perseverance and resilience. In encouraging someone, a native speaker might simply say, 'Continue !' (Keep going!), which serves as a powerful motivational phrase. The pronunciation is straightforward, with the nasal vowel 'on' followed by the clear 'ti', the nuanced 'nu', and the standard 'é' sound for the infinitive ending. Mastering this verb opens up a significant portion of expressive capability in French, allowing learners to navigate conversations about ongoing activities with confidence and precision. It is a word that you will encounter daily in news broadcasts, literature, casual conversations, and formal addresses, making it a cornerstone of the French language.

Core Concept: The uninterrupted progression of an action, state, or physical movement over time.
Transitivity: Can be used transitively (with a direct object) or intransitively (without an object, often followed by a preposition and an infinitive).
Emotional Resonance: Often carries a tone of encouragement, persistence, and determination when used in the imperative mood.

Malgré la pluie, nous allons continuer notre promenade dans le parc.

Il faut continuer à apprendre de nouvelles choses chaque jour.

Elle a décidé de continuer ses études à l'université de Paris.

Le vent va continuer de souffler fort toute la nuit.

Si tu veux réussir, tu dois continuer tes efforts sans relâche.

Using 'continuer' correctly involves understanding its syntactic flexibility and the grammatical structures it commands. As a regular -er verb, its conjugation in the present tense is straightforward: je continue, tu continues, il/elle/on continue, nous continuons, vous continuez, ils/elles continuent. This predictability makes it an excellent verb for beginners to practice standard conjugation patterns. However, the true mastery of 'continuer' lies in knowing how to connect it to other words in a sentence. There are three primary structures you must learn. First, 'continuer + noun'. In this structure, 'continuer' acts as a transitive verb taking a direct object. This is used when you are continuing a specific thing or entity, such as a story, a project, a journey, or a conversation. For example, 'Je continue mon travail' (I am continuing my work) or 'Nous continuons la discussion' (We are continuing the discussion). This usage is direct and requires no prepositions. Second, 'continuer à + infinitive'. This is perhaps the most common way to express continuing an action. The preposition 'à' acts as a bridge between 'continuer' and the action being sustained. For example, 'Il continue à pleuvoir' (It continues to rain) or 'Elle continue à chanter' (She continues to sing). Third, 'continuer de + infinitive'. This structure is virtually identical in meaning to 'continuer à + infinitive'. Historically, grammarians suggested that 'continuer à' implied an action that was interrupted and resumed, while 'continuer de' implied an uninterrupted habit. However, in modern French, this distinction has largely vanished, and native speakers use both interchangeably based on phonetic flow or personal preference. For instance, 'Je continue de lire' is just as correct and common as 'Je continue à lire'. When forming the passé composé, 'continuer' uses the auxiliary verb 'avoir' (e.g., 'J'ai continué'). It is important to note that when 'continuer' is used with a preposition and an infinitive, the negation surrounds the conjugated verb 'continuer', not the infinitive. For example, 'Je ne continue pas à travailler' (I am not continuing to work). Furthermore, 'continuer' can be used in the imperative mood to give commands or encouragement. 'Continuez tout droit' (Keep going straight) is a standard phrase used when giving directions. Understanding these structural nuances ensures that your use of 'continuer' sounds natural and grammatically accurate across various conversational contexts. By practicing these three main patterns—with a direct object, with 'à', and with 'de'—learners can significantly expand their ability to describe ongoing situations in French.

Structure 1: Continuer + Noun: Used with a direct object to indicate the continuation of a specific thing. Example: Continuer le match (To continue the game).
Structure 2: Continuer à + Infinitive: The most common way to say 'to keep doing something'. Example: Continuer à parler (To keep speaking).
Structure 3: Continuer de + Infinitive: Interchangeable with 'continuer à' in modern French. Example: Continuer de chercher (To keep searching).

Pour aller à la gare, vous devez continuer tout droit sur cette avenue.

Je vais continuer ce livre demain matin.

Ils ont décidé de continuer à se voir malgré la distance.

Ne t'arrête pas, continue de jouer du piano !

Le professeur a demandé aux élèves de continuer l'exercice en silence.

The verb 'continuer' is ubiquitous in the French language, permeating every level of discourse from the most casual street conversations to the highest registers of academic and political speech. Because the concept of continuation is so fundamental to human experience, you will encounter this verb in virtually every context imaginable. In daily life, you will hear it constantly when people are giving or receiving directions. A local might tell a tourist, 'Continuez jusqu'au feu rouge' (Continue until the red light). In the workplace, 'continuer' is essential for project management and professional communication. A manager might say, 'Nous devons continuer nos efforts sur ce dossier' (We must continue our efforts on this file) or 'Continuez comme ça !' (Keep it up!), which is a common phrase of praise for good work. In educational settings, teachers use it to guide students through lessons: 'Nous allons continuer la lecture à la page vingt' (We are going to continue reading on page twenty). In the realm of media and news, journalists frequently use 'continuer' to report on ongoing events, crises, or trends. You might read a headline stating, 'L'inflation continue de grimper' (Inflation continues to climb) or hear a news anchor say, 'Les manifestations continuent dans la capitale' (The protests continue in the capital). In literature and storytelling, 'continuer' is a vital narrative device used to maintain the flow of the plot and describe the persistent actions of characters. A narrator might describe a character who 'continuait à marcher dans la nuit sombre' (continued to walk in the dark night). Furthermore, in personal relationships, 'continuer' is used to express commitment and ongoing feelings. Someone might say, 'Je veux continuer ma vie avec toi' (I want to continue my life with you). In sports, coaches yell 'Continue !' to motivate athletes to push through fatigue. Even in digital interfaces, you will see 'Continuer' as the standard translation for 'Continue' or 'Next' buttons on websites and software applications. This widespread usage highlights the verb's indispensable nature. It is not confined to any specific jargon or demographic; it is a universal tool for expressing duration and persistence. By paying attention to how native speakers use 'continuer' in these diverse settings, learners can gain a deeper appreciation for its versatility and learn to incorporate it naturally into their own active vocabulary. Whether you are navigating a new city, collaborating on a project, or simply enjoying a French novel, 'continuer' is a word that will constantly guide you forward.

Navigation & Directions: Frequently used to instruct someone to keep moving in a certain direction (e.g., Continuer tout droit).
Professional Environments: Used to discuss the progress of projects, meetings, and ongoing tasks.
Digital Interfaces: The standard label for 'Next' or 'Proceed' buttons on French websites and apps.

Sur l'application, cliquez sur le bouton bleu pour continuer votre inscription.

Le présentateur a annoncé que le débat allait continuer après la publicité.

Pardon monsieur, pour aller au musée, je dois continuer sur cette rue ?

L'entreprise va continuer d'investir dans les nouvelles technologies.

Malgré la fatigue, le marathonien a trouvé la force de continuer.

While 'continuer' is a regular and relatively straightforward verb, English speakers often make specific, predictable errors when incorporating it into their French. The most prevalent mistake stems from direct translation interference regarding the English gerund (the -ing form). In English, we say 'I continue working' or 'She keeps talking'. A learner might instinctively translate this word-for-word into French as 'Je continue travaillant' or 'Elle continue parlant', using the French present participle. This is grammatically incorrect in French. The verb 'continuer' must be followed by an infinitive, linked by either 'à' or 'de'. The correct forms are 'Je continue à travailler' and 'Elle continue de parler'. Another frequent error involves omitting the preposition entirely when an infinitive follows. Saying 'Je continue travailler' is a common beginner mistake; the 'à' or 'de' is absolutely mandatory. A third area of confusion arises with pronoun placement. When replacing the infinitive phrase with a pronoun, learners often struggle. If you are continuing a direct object noun (e.g., 'Je continue mon travail'), you replace it with a direct object pronoun: 'Je le continue'. However, if you are replacing an infinitive phrase introduced by 'à' (e.g., 'Je continue à travailler'), you generally use the pronoun 'y': 'J'y continue' (though this sounds slightly awkward and is less common than just repeating the verb). If introduced by 'de', you would theoretically use 'en', but again, this is rare in practice. It is usually better to restate the action. Another mistake is confusing 'continuer' with 'reprendre'. 'Continuer' means to keep doing something without stopping, whereas 'reprendre' means to resume an action after it has been interrupted. If you take a break from reading and then start again, you 'reprends' the book, you don't 'continues' it (unless you mean you are continuing from where you left off, but 'reprendre' is more precise for the act of restarting). Finally, learners sometimes mispronounce the verb, particularly the nasal 'on' and the 'u' sound. The 'u' in 'continuer' is the tight, rounded French 'u' (/y/), not the English 'oo' sound. Mispronouncing this can make the word sound sloppy. By being aware of these common pitfalls—especially the strict requirement for 'à' or 'de' + infinitive instead of the present participle—learners can quickly refine their usage of 'continuer' and sound much more natural and grammatically precise.

The Gerund Trap: Never use the present participle (-ant) after continuer to mean 'keep doing'. Always use à/de + infinitive.
Missing Prepositions: Do not place an infinitive directly after continuer without 'à' or 'de' bridging the two verbs.
Continuer vs. Reprendre: Use continuer for uninterrupted action, and reprendre for resuming an action after a pause.

Incorrect: Je continue lisant. -> Correct: Je continue à lire.

Incorrect: Il continue parler. -> Correct: Il continue de parler.

Incorrect: Nous continuons mangeant. -> Correct: Nous continuons à manger.

Incorrect: Après la pause, je continue le film. -> Better: Après la pause, je reprends le film.

Incorrect: Elle continue travailler dur. -> Correct: Elle continue de travailler dur.

The French language offers a rich vocabulary for expressing concepts related to continuation, persistence, and progression. While 'continuer' is the most general and widely used term, understanding its synonyms allows for greater precision and stylistic variety. One of the most common synonyms is 'poursuivre'. While 'continuer' simply means to not stop, 'poursuivre' often carries a stronger connotation of actively chasing a goal, prosecuting a task with determination, or following a physical path. For example, 'poursuivre ses études' (to pursue one's studies) sounds slightly more formal and goal-oriented than 'continuer ses études'. Another related verb is 'maintenir', which means to maintain or uphold. This is used when the focus is on keeping a state or condition exactly as it is, preventing it from degrading or changing, such as 'maintenir la pression' (to maintain the pressure) or 'maintenir l'ordre' (to maintain order). 'Persévérer' is a powerful synonym used specifically when continuing an action requires overcoming difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. It translates directly to 'to persevere'. You would use 'persévérer' to describe someone who keeps trying to learn a difficult language despite making mistakes. 'Prolonger' is used when the continuation is specifically related to extending something in time or physical space, such as 'prolonger une réunion' (to prolong a meeting) or 'prolonger un mur' (to extend a wall). On the other hand, it is equally important to understand the antonyms of 'continuer' to fully grasp its semantic boundaries. The most direct opposite is 'arrêter' (to stop). Other antonyms include 'cesser' (to cease, often used in more formal contexts or with natural phenomena like 'la pluie a cessé'), 'interrompre' (to interrupt, meaning to stop temporarily), and 'abandonner' (to abandon or give up, which is the emotional opposite of persévérer). By learning these related words, you can choose the exact verb that fits the nuance of your sentence. If you simply aren't stopping, use 'continuer'. If you are chasing a goal, use 'poursuivre'. If you are fighting through hardship, use 'persévérer'. If you are extending time, use 'prolonger'. This nuanced understanding elevates your French from basic communication to expressive fluency.

Poursuivre: To pursue or continue with intent. Often used for studies, careers, or physical paths. More formal than continuer.
Persévérer: To persevere. Emphasizes continuing despite difficulties or opposition.
Maintenir: To maintain. Focuses on keeping a state or condition constant without change.

Il a décidé de poursuivre sa carrière dans la médecine plutôt que de simplement continuer son travail actuel.

Malgré les échecs, elle a su persévérer là où d'autres auraient refusé de continuer.

Le gouvernement veut maintenir les prix bas pour continuer à soutenir l'économie.

Nous devons prolonger la réunion si nous voulons continuer ce débat important.

Au lieu de s'arrêter, il a choisi de continuer son chemin sous la pluie.

How Formal Is It?

난이도

알아야 할 문법

Prepositions with infinitives (à vs de)

Regular -er verb conjugation in the present tense

The imperative mood for giving commands

Passé composé with 'avoir'

Negation placement with infinitives

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

Je continue mon travail.

I continue my work.

Present tense, 1st person singular. Direct object 'mon travail'.

Tu continues à lire ?

Are you continuing to read?

Present tense, 2nd person singular. Uses 'à' + infinitive 'lire'.

Il continue de marcher.

He continues to walk.

Present tense, 3rd person singular. Uses 'de' + infinitive 'marcher'.

Nous continuons le jeu.

We are continuing the game.

Present tense, 1st person plural. Direct object 'le jeu'.

Continuez tout droit !

Continue straight ahead!

Imperative mood, formal/plural. Used for directions.

Elles continuent à chanter.

They continue to sing.

Present tense, 3rd person plural feminine. Uses 'à' + infinitive.

Le film continue.

The movie continues.

Present tense, 3rd person singular. Intransitive use.

Je veux continuer.

I want to continue.

Infinitive form used after the conjugated verb 'veux'.

J'ai continué à étudier hier soir.

I continued to study last night.

Passé composé. Auxiliary 'avoir' + past participle 'continué'.

Il continuait de parler pendant le film.

He kept talking during the movie.

Imparfait. Describes an ongoing past action.

Nous allons continuer notre voyage demain.

We are going to continue our trip tomorrow.

Futur proche (aller + infinitive).

Elle n'a pas continué son régime.

She did not continue her diet.

Passé composé in the negative. 'Ne pas' surrounds the auxiliary.

Continue de faire tes devoirs.

Keep doing your homework.

Imperative singular informal. Uses 'de' + infinitive.

Ils ont continué la discussion au café.

They continued the discussion at the cafe.

Passé composé with a direct object 'la discussion'.

Je continuerai à t'aider.

I will continue to help you.

Futur simple. 1st person singular.

Le vent a continué de souffler toute la nuit.

The wind continued to blow all night.

Passé composé used for an action that lasted a specific duration.

Si j'avais le temps, je continuerais à apprendre le piano.

If I had the time, I would continue learning the piano.

Conditionnel présent. Used in a hypothetical 'si' clause structure.

Bien qu'il pleuve, le match va continuer.

Even though it is raining, the match will continue.

Used in a complex sentence with a concessive clause (bien que + subjunctive).

Il est essentiel de continuer nos efforts pour l'environnement.

It is essential to continue our efforts for the environment.

Infinitive used after an impersonal expression 'Il est essentiel de'.

Elle m'a dit qu'elle continuerait ses études à l'étranger.

She told me that she would continue her studies abroad.

Conditionnel présent used for future in the past (reported speech).

Nous devons continuer de croire en nos rêves.

We must continue to believe in our dreams.

Infinitive after the modal verb 'devoir'.

Après avoir mangé, ils ont continué à travailler.

After eating, they continued to work.

Passé composé following a past infinitive clause (Après avoir mangé).

Je ne pense pas qu'il puisse continuer comme ça.

I don't think he can continue like this.

Infinitive following the subjunctive 'puisse' in a negative opinion clause.

C'est un projet que nous continuerons l'année prochaine.

It is a project that we will continue next year.

Futur simple in a relative clause introduced by 'que'.

Il est impératif que nous continuions à innover dans ce secteur.

It is imperative that we continue to innovate in this sector.

Subjonctif présent (1st person plural) triggered by 'Il est impératif que'.

Malgré les critiques, l'auteur a continué de défendre sa thèse.

Despite the criticism, the author continued to defend his thesis.

Passé composé used in a formal, abstract context.

Je doute qu'ils continuent à financer cette recherche.

I doubt they will continue to fund this research.

Subjonctif présent triggered by the verb of doubt 'douter que'.

En continuant de la sorte, vous risquez l'épuisement professionnel.

By continuing in this manner, you risk burnout.

Gérondif (En + present participle) used to express cause/manner.

La tradition continuera d'être transmise de génération en génération.

The tradition will continue to be passed down from generation to generation.

Futur simple followed by a passive infinitive (d'être transmise).

Il aurait continué s'il n'avait pas été blessé.

He would have continued if he hadn't been injured.

Conditionnel passé used in a past hypothetical 'si' clause.

C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron, il faut donc continuer à s'exercer.

Practice makes perfect, so one must continue to practice.

Used alongside a proverb to express logical consequence.

La croissance économique a continué de ralentir au troisième trimestre.

Economic growth continued to slow down in the third quarter.

Passé composé in a formal economic/journalistic context.

Quoi qu'il advienne, la lutte pour les droits civiques doit continuer.

Whatever happens, the struggle for civil rights must continue.

Infinitive used after a modal, following a concessive subjunctive clause (Quoi qu'il advienne).

Il s'est obstiné à continuer de nier les faits, malgré l'évidence.

He stubbornly continued to deny the facts, despite the evidence.

Complex verbal chain: s'obstiner à + continuer de + infinitive.

L'écrivain a su faire continuer le suspense jusqu'à la toute dernière page.

The writer managed to keep the suspense going until the very last page.

Causative construction (faire + infinitive) applied to 'continuer'.

C'est une politique qui, si elle venait à continuer, mènerait au désastre.

It is a policy which, should it continue, would lead to disaster.

Infinitive used in a conditional structure with 'venir à' (if it were to happen).

Nous eussions continué notre périple si la tempête ne s'était pas levée.

We would have continued our journey if the storm had not arisen.

Conditionnel passé 2ème forme (literary/archaic) for high-register hypothetical past.

Il importe que l'entreprise continue d'étendre son influence sur le marché asiatique.

It is important that the company continues to expand its influence in the Asian market.

Subjonctif présent in a formal corporate context.

L'orateur, imperturbable, a continué son discours sous les huées.

The speaker, unperturbed, continued his speech amidst the boos.

Passé composé with an appositive adjective (imperturbable) for stylistic effect.

Continuer de la sorte relèverait de l'inconscience pure.

To continue in such a way would border on pure recklessness.

Infinitive used as the subject of the sentence, followed by the conditional.

Que la vie continue de s'écouler avec cette même langueur m'indiffère profondément.

That life continues to flow with this same languor leaves me profoundly indifferent.

Subjonctif présent in a subject clause expressing a philosophical stance.

Il eût fallu qu'il continuât ses recherches pour prouver sa théorie.

He would have had to continue his research to prove his theory.

Subjonctif imparfait (continuât) used in a highly literary past conditional structure.

L'œuvre de Proust continue d'irriguer la pensée littéraire contemporaine.

Proust's work continues to nourish contemporary literary thought.

Metaphorical use of 'continuer de' with a sophisticated verb (irriguer).

Faire fi des avertissements et continuer dans cette voie s'apparente à un suicide politique.

Ignoring the warnings and continuing on this path is akin to political suicide.

Infinitive phrase acting as a complex subject in a formal analytical sentence.

Nonobstant les aléas de la conjoncture, le conglomérat a continué de consolider ses actifs.

Notwithstanding the uncertainties of the economic climate, the conglomerate continued to consolidate its assets.

High-register vocabulary (nonobstant, aléas, conjoncture) framing the passé composé.

C'est en continuant de questionner les dogmes établis que la science progresse.

It is by continuing to question established dogmas that science progresses.

Gérondif used to express a fundamental philosophical mechanism.

Elle continuait de tisser la toile de ses intrigues avec une patience d'arachné.

She continued to weave the web of her intrigues with the patience of a spider.

Imparfait used for descriptive, literary characterization with a classical allusion.

Aussi longtemps que l'humanité perdurera, l'art continuera d'être son miroir.

As long as humanity endures, art will continue to be its mirror.

Futur simple used in a sweeping, philosophical statement about the human condition.

자주 쓰는 조합

continuer à faire

continuer de faire

continuer son chemin

continuer ses études

continuer le travail

continuer tout droit

continuer la lecture

continuer la discussion

continuer la lutte

continuer le combat

자주 쓰는 구문

continuer tout droit

à continuer

continuer sur sa lancée

continuer de plus belle

faire continuer

continuer son petit bonhomme de chemin

continuer à vivre

continuer d'espérer

continuer le match

et ça continue

자주 혼동되는 단어

continuer vs reprendre

continuer vs poursuivre

continuer vs garder

관용어 및 표현

"continuer sur sa lancée"

"continuer de plus belle"

"continuer son petit bonhomme de chemin"

"la vie continue"

"et ainsi de suite (related concept)"

"ne pas s'arrêter en si bon chemin"

"aller de l'avant (related concept)"

"tenir le coup (related concept)"

"garder le cap (related concept)"

"poursuivre son rêve (related concept)"

혼동하기 쉬운

continuer vs

문장 패턴

무료 가입하고 모든 예문 보기

사용법

nuance

'Continuer à' and 'continuer de' are interchangeable in modern French. Choose the one that sounds better rhythmically in your sentence.

frequency

Extremely high frequency verb. Essential for A1 learners.

자주 하는 실수

Je continue travaillant.
English speakers often use the present participle (-ant) because it translates to the English '-ing' form ('I continue working'). In French, you must use an infinitive preceded by 'à' or 'de'.
Il continue parler.
Forgetting the preposition 'à' or 'de' between 'continuer' and the following infinitive is a frequent error. The two verbs must be linked by one of these prepositions.
Je ne continue à pas lire.
Incorrect placement of negation. The 'ne... pas' must surround the conjugated verb 'continue', not the infinitive or the preposition.
Après la pause, je continue le livre.
While understandable, 'continuer' implies an uninterrupted action. If you stopped and are starting again, the more precise verb is 'reprendre' (to resume).
Je continue à le faire. (Pronounced with English 'u')
Mispronouncing the 'u' in 'continuer' as an English 'oo' sound. It must be the tight, rounded French 'u' (/y/) to sound correct.

팁

The Golden Rule of 'Continuer'

Never, ever use the -ing form (present participle) after 'continuer'. If you want to say 'keep walking', it must be 'continuer à marcher' or 'continuer de marcher'. Erase 'continuer marchant' from your mind entirely. This is the single most important rule for English speakers to remember.

Encourage Like a Native

Use the imperative form to cheer people on. Yelling 'Continue !' (informal) or 'Continuez !' (formal/plural) is the perfect equivalent to 'Keep going!' or 'Don't stop!'. It's great for sports, studying, or any challenging task.

Mastering Directions

Memorize the phrase 'Continuez tout droit' (Continue straight ahead). It is the most common phrase you will hear when asking for directions in a French city. Knowing this phrase will save you from getting lost!

Perfecting the Vowels

Pay attention to the three distinct vowel sounds in 'continuer': the nasal 'on' (/ɔ̃/), the tight 'u' (/y/), and the final 'é' (/e/). Practice saying them slowly: kohn-tee-nyay. Getting these vowels right makes you sound much more fluent.

Elevate Your Essays

If you find yourself using 'continuer' too many times in a written text, swap it out for 'poursuivre'. It means the same thing but sounds slightly more sophisticated and shows a broader vocabulary range to your examiner or reader.

À vs. De: Don't Stress

Don't waste time worrying about whether to use 'à' or 'de' before an infinitive. Both are correct and used interchangeably by native speakers today. Pick one that feels comfortable to say and stick with it, or mix them up naturally.

Negation Placement

Remember the 'ne... pas' sandwich. The negation goes around the conjugated verb. 'Je NE continue PAS à lire'. Do not put the 'pas' after the infinitive. The structure is always Subject + ne + continuer + pas + à/de + infinitive.

Professional Usage

In business emails, 'continuer' is very useful for discussing ongoing projects. Phrases like 'Nous continuons de travailler sur ce dossier' (We continue to work on this file) are standard, polite, and professional.

Catching the Preposition

When listening to fast spoken French, the 'de' in 'continuer de' often gets shortened to just a 'd' sound before a vowel, or mumbled. Train your ear to expect a preposition there, even if it's spoken very quickly.

Learn 'Sur sa lancée'

To sound really advanced, learn the phrase 'continuer sur sa lancée'. It means to keep going with the momentum you've built up, like 'to stay on a roll'. It's a fantastic, colorful idiom to add to your B2/C1 vocabulary.

암기하기

기억법

Think of the English word 'continue'. They are spelled almost exactly the same, just add an 'r' at the end for the French infinitive!

어원

Latin

문화적 맥락

Using 'Continuez' (formal) is polite when encouraging someone you don't know well to keep speaking or walking.

Historically, grammarians argued 'continuer à' meant resuming after a pause, while 'continuer de' meant non-stop. This is ignored today.

Universally understood across all Francophone regions without variation in meaning.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"Qu'est-ce que tu vas continuer à faire l'année prochaine ?"

"Est-ce que tu continues tes études de français ?"

"Pourquoi as-tu décidé de continuer ce sport ?"

"Penses-tu qu'il faille continuer ce projet ?"

"Comment faire pour continuer quand c'est difficile ?"

일기 주제

Écris sur une habitude que tu veux continuer cette année.

Raconte une fois où tu as voulu abandonner, mais tu as continué.

Quelles études ou quel travail aimerais-tu continuer dans le futur ?

Décris un film ou un livre que tu as hâte de continuer.

Pourquoi est-il important de continuer à apprendre de nouvelles choses ?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

In modern, everyday French, there is virtually no difference. Native speakers use both interchangeably to mean 'to keep doing something'. Historically, grammarians claimed 'à' implied an interrupted action that was resumed, while 'de' implied a continuous, unbroken action. However, this distinction is no longer observed in practical usage. You can use whichever sounds better to you, though 'continuer à' is slightly more common in spoken French. The most important thing is to use one of them and not just put the infinitive directly after 'continuer'.

No, this is a very common mistake made by English speakers. In English, we say 'I continue working' (using the -ing form). In French, you cannot say 'Je continue travaillant'. You must always use an infinitive verb preceded by 'à' or 'de'. The correct translation is 'Je continue à travailler' or 'Je continue de travailler'. The French present participle is used for different grammatical structures, such as the gérondif (en travaillant), but not as a complement to 'continuer'.

Yes, 'continuer' is a completely regular -er verb. This means it follows the standard conjugation pattern for the vast majority of French verbs. In the present tense, you drop the -er and add -e, -es, -e, -ons, -ez, -ent. Its past participle is 'continué', and it uses the auxiliary verb 'avoir' in compound tenses like the passé composé. This regularity makes it very easy for beginners to learn and use correctly across different tenses.

To give this common direction, you use the imperative form of 'continuer' followed by the phrase 'tout droit'. If you are speaking formally or to a group, you say 'Continuez tout droit'. If you are speaking informally to one person, you say 'Continue tout droit'. This is a fixed phrase that is incredibly useful for navigating in French-speaking countries, and you will hear it frequently if you ask for directions.

No, 'continuer' itself does not trigger the subjunctive mood in a following clause. It states a fact about an ongoing action. However, 'continuer' can be placed inside a subjunctive clause if it is preceded by an expression that requires the subjunctive. For example, 'Il faut que tu continues' (It is necessary that you continue). Here, 'continues' is in the subjunctive because of 'Il faut que', not because of the verb 'continuer' itself.

A very common and slightly more formal synonym is 'poursuivre'. While 'continuer' simply means not to stop, 'poursuivre' carries a nuance of actively pursuing a goal or a path. For example, instead of writing 'Il a continué ses études' (He continued his studies), you could write 'Il a poursuivi ses études', which sounds slightly more elevated and academic. Another option is 'maintenir' when referring to keeping a state or condition the same.

When negating a sentence with 'continuer' followed by an infinitive, the negation words (ne... pas) go around the conjugated verb 'continuer', not the infinitive. For example, 'Je ne continue pas à travailler' (I am not continuing to work). The 'à' or 'de' and the infinitive stay outside the negation sandwich. In the passé composé, the negation goes around the auxiliary verb: 'Je n'ai pas continué à travailler'.

No, 'continuer' is strictly a verb. If you need a noun to express the idea of continuation, you should use 'la continuation' (the continuation) or 'la continuité' (the continuity). For example, 'La continuation de ce projet est incertaine' (The continuation of this project is uncertain). Using the infinitive verb as a noun (like 'the continuing') is not standard in French in this context.

'À suivre' translates literally to 'to follow', but it is the standard French phrase used at the end of a television episode, a chapter, or an article to mean 'To be continued'. While it does not use the verb 'continuer', it expresses the exact same concept in media and storytelling. It indicates that the narrative is not finished and will resume in the next installment.

No, the 'u' in 'continuer' is the classic French 'u' sound (/y/ in IPA), which does not exist in standard English. It is not pronounced like the 'oo' in 'food' or the 'u' in 'cute'. To pronounce it correctly, shape your lips tightly into a circle as if you are going to whistle or say 'oo', but then try to say the 'ee' sound (like in 'see') while keeping your lips rounded. It takes practice, but it is crucial for sounding natural.

무료 가입하고 팁과 노트 보기