続ける means keep doing. It is a JLPT N4 Japanese grammar pattern used to express this idea in natural Japanese.
This English meaning is written independently from the source list so it answers the learner question directly: what does 続ける mean and when should you use it?
What does 続ける mean?
Use 続ける when you want to express keep doing in a Japanese sentence.
Natural translations include:
- keep doing
- to express “keep doing” naturally
- the closest natural English meaning in context
How to form 続ける
Verb masu-stem + 続ける
Examples of the pattern:
- Verb masu-stem + 続ける
- 続ける
- related form: ている
When is 続ける used?
Use 続ける in situations like:
- reading or writing JLPT N4-level sentences
- making a sentence more precise than a basic N5 pattern
- recognizing natural grammar in conversation or short passages
Tone and register:
- usually neutral unless the pattern itself is casual, humble, honorific, or written
- common in JLPT N4 grammar study and everyday examples
続ける example sentences
- 毎日日本語を勉強し続けています。 — I keep studying Japanese every day.
- 雨が降り続けています。 — It keeps raining.
- 彼は三時間走り続けました。 — He kept running for three hours.
- この仕事を続けたいです。 — I want to continue this work.
- 失敗しても挑戦し続けます。 — Even if I fail, I will keep trying.
Nuance of 続ける
The key nuance is keep doing in context, not a word-for-word English replacement.
This matters because 続ける often changes the relationship between actions, people, time, or evidence in the sentence. Read the whole sentence before choosing the English translation.
続ける vs ている
Both patterns can appear in related sentences, but they do different jobs.
続ける:
- is the target JLPT N4 pattern in this lesson
- focuses on keep doing
ている:
- is useful for comparison because learners often confuse nearby forms
- may change the tone, evidence, direction, or relationship in the sentence
Quick contrast examples:
- Target pattern: 毎日日本語を勉強し続けています。 — I keep studying Japanese every day.
- Related pattern with ている: compare what changes in evidence, timing, direction, or politeness.
Common mistakes with 続ける
Watch out for these mistakes:
- Copying a dictionary gloss without checking the sentence context
- Using the wrong verb, adjective, or noun form
- Confusing 続ける with ている because the English can sound similar
Is 続ける on the JLPT?
Yes. 続ける is connected to JLPT N4 grammar in this blog.
That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences
Practice questions for 続ける
Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one short sentence using the basic structure.
- Replace the subject, time, or object and keep the same grammar point.
- Compare your sentence with the related pattern above.
Learn 続ける with Kanjiru
If you want to review 続ける together with kanji, vocabulary, and other JLPT N4 patterns, Kanjiru helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.
Browse more lessons here: