# 続ける: keep doing > Learn how to use 続ける, a JLPT N4 Japanese grammar point meaning keep doing, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N4 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n4-tsuzukeru/ **続ける** means **keep doing** or **continue**. It is a **JLPT N4** Japanese grammar pattern used to show that an action persists over time. You will see this pattern in JLPT N4 reading passages, everyday conversation, and textbook examples. If you want to say that you keep performing an action without stopping, **続ける** is the pattern to use. ## What does 続ける mean? Use **続ける** when you want to express that an action keeps going over a period of time. It can function as an auxiliary verb attached to another verb, or as a standalone transitive verb meaning "to continue (something)." Natural translations include: - keep doing - continue - carry on The best translation depends on the sentence. Try to notice the writer's or speaker's purpose first, then choose the English phrase that fits that context. ## How to form 続ける

Verb masu-stem + 続ける

Examples of the pattern: - 勉強べんきょうし + 続ける - 降ふり + 続ける - 走はしり + 続ける The form before the grammar point matters. In JLPT questions, the wrong answer choices often use a similar meaning but attach it to the wrong type of word. ## When is 続ける used? Use **続ける** in situations like: - describing an action that persists over hours, days, or longer - emphasizing sustained effort or repetition - adding precision to a sentence beyond basic N5 patterns Tone and register: - neutral; common in both spoken and written Japanese - frequently tested on JLPT N4 and used in daily conversation ## 続ける example sentences

毎日まいにち日本語にほんごを勉強べんきょうし続つづけています。

I keep studying Japanese every day.

daily habit

雨あめが降ふり続つづけています。

It keeps raining.

natural phenomenon

彼かれは三時間さんじかん走はしり続つづけました。

He kept running for three hours.

duration

この仕事しごとを続つづけたいです。

I want to continue this work.

standalone verb

失敗しっぱいしても挑戦ちょうせんし続つづけます。

Even if I fail, I will keep trying.

effort

After reading each sentence, ask what job **続ける** is doing: emphasizing that an action is maintained without interruption. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation. ## Nuance of 続ける The key nuance is **persistence over time**. **続ける** does not simply mean an action is happening; it emphasizes that the action is maintained without interruption. This matters because learners often translate advanced grammar too literally. Read the whole sentence before choosing the English translation. In context, **続ける** signals that the speaker feels the action requires effort or has an extended duration. Compared with **ている**, it carries a stronger sense of continuation. ## 続ける vs ている Both **続ける** and **ている** can appear in related sentences, but they do different jobs.

続ける

Emphasizes persistence and uninterrupted continuation of an action

毎日まいにち日本語にほんごを勉強べんきょうし続つづけています。

I keep studying Japanese every day (sustained effort over time).

ている

Describes an ongoing state or action without emphasizing duration

毎日まいにち日本語にほんごを勉強べんきょうしています。

I study Japanese every day / I am studying Japanese.

If both translations seem possible, check the tone. Does the speaker want to stress that the action never stopped, or simply state that it is happening? The nuance often tells you which grammar point is natural. ## Common mistakes with 続ける

❌

毎日まいにち日本語にほんごを勉強べんきょうする続つづけています。

✅

毎日まいにち日本語にほんごを勉強べんきょうし続つづけています。

Attach 続ける to the masu-stem, not the dictionary form.

❌

雨あめが降ふっています。（intended meaning: it keeps raining）

✅

雨あめが降ふり続つづけています。

When you want to stress uninterrupted continuation, use 続ける rather than ている alone.

❌

彼かれは三時間さんじかん走はしる続つづけました。

✅

彼かれは三時間さんじかん走はしり続つづけました。

Conjugate the main verb to its masu-stem before adding 続ける.

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **続ける**, then rewrite it with **ている**. If the meaning or tone changes, explain that difference in your own words. ## Is 続ける on the JLPT?

続ける appears on the JLPT N4.

Recognize it in reading passages
Understand its nuance in context
Use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions often test whether you understand the surrounding context, not just the dictionary meaning. ## Practice questions for 続ける

1 Write one short sentence using the basic Verb masu-stem + 続ける structure. production

2 Replace the subject, time, or object and keep the same grammar point. variation

3 Compare your sentence with ている. What changes in nuance? comparison

4 Write a sentence about continuing to try even after failure. context

Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the nuance becomes clear. ## Learning path for 続ける

1 Make sure you can form 続ける from the masu-stem without looking at the pattern chart.

2 Compare it with てくる to see how a different auxiliary changes the action flow.

3 Add てみる or ておく to similar verbs and observe how the nuance shifts.

4 Write one sentence using 続ける literally, one with a changed subject or time expression, and one contrasting it with a related pattern.

## Related grammar to review next - [てくる](/blog/n4-te-kuru/) — compares another て-form auxiliary that changes action flow or completion. - [てみる](/blog/n4-te-miru/) — compares another て-form auxiliary that changes action flow or completion. - [ておく](/blog/n4-te-oku/) — compares another て-form auxiliary that changes action flow or completion. - [てしまう](/blog/n4-te-shimau/) — compares another て-form auxiliary that changes action flow or completion. ## Learn 続ける with Hane If you want to review **続ける** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N4 grammar lessons](/blog/n4/)