Translation and Meaning of: 続く - tsuduku

The Japanese word 続く [つづく] is an essential verb for those studying the language and wishing to communicate naturally. Its main meaning is "to continue" or "to follow," but its use goes beyond the literal translation, reflecting cultural and grammatical nuances of Japanese. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which 続く appears, as well as tips to memorize it correctly.

Understanding 続く is useful not only for constructing sentences in everyday life but also for understanding common expressions in animes, dramas, and even in formal texts. If you've ever wondered how to use this word in different situations or why it is so frequent in everyday Japanese, keep reading to find out.

Meaning and usage of 続く

"Tsuzuku" is a verb that conveys the idea of continuity, whether in time, space, or actions. It can be used for concrete situations, like a road that "continues" for miles, as well as for abstract events, such as a discussion that "proceeds" for hours. Its flexibility makes it a key word in conversations and written texts.

A practical example is the phrase この道は続いていますか？ ("Does this road continue?"), common in questions about directions. Another frequent use is in narratives, such as 物語が続く ("The story continues"), indicating that something is still ongoing. This versatility makes 続く appear in various s, from casual to formal.

Origin and composition of kanji

The kanji 続 is composed of the radical 糸 (thread) and the component 売 (to sell), suggesting a connection to the idea of something that "unravels" or "proceeds." This combination reinforces the sense of continuity present in the verb. Sources such as Kanjipedia and 漢字源 confirm this interpretation, highlighting that the radical 糸 appears in other words related to sequences, such as 継続 (continuation).

It is worth noting that 続く is not an old verb with lost archaic meanings. Its use has remained consistent over time, without significant semantic changes. This makes it a safe choice for students, as there are no historical or regional pitfalls that alter its meaning.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 続く is to associate it with everyday situations, such as series that "continue" next week (来週に続く) or tasks that drag on. Repeating short phrases in real contexts helps internalize the verb instead of cramming disorganized lists. Another tip is to observe its usage in Japanese media, such as animes and TV shows, where it frequently appears.

Avoid confusing 続く with verbs like 継ぐ (to inherit) or 持続する (to persist), which have different nuances. While 続く emphasizes the action of moving forward, 持続する implies prolonged maintenance. Mastering these differences is crucial to sound natural when speaking or writing in Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 続く

• 続く Positive form:
• 続かない Negative form:
• 続きます - Polite form:
• 続いている - Continuous form:
• 続かなければならない - Conditional form:

Synonyms and similar words

• 継続する (Keizoku suru) - Continue, keep something in progress.
• 続ける (Tsuzukeru) - Extend, continue something.
• 継ぐ (Tsugu) - Heritage or succession refers to something, generally the continuity in a family or business context.
• 継承する (Keishō suru) - Heritage or the act of ing something on, such as knowledge or a position.
• 継続的に (Keizokuteki ni) - Continuously, without interruption.
• 継続中 (Keizoku-chū) - In progress; something that is in the process of continuity.
• 持続する (Jizoku suru) - To maintain or sustain something over time.
• 継続性 (Keizokusei) - Continuous nature; the quality of being continuous.
• 継続的な (Keizokuteki na) - Continuity; something that is characterized by remaining stable or constant.
• 継続期間 (Keizoku kikan) - Duration of continuity; period during which something continues.
• 継続教育 (Keizoku kyōiku) - Continuing education, lifelong learning.
• 継続利用 (Keizoku riyō) - Continuous use; to maintain the use of a service or resource.
• 継続契約 (Keizoku keiyaku) - Continuous contract; an agreement that persists over time.
• 継続更新 (Keizoku kōshin) - Continuous updates; regular maintenance of something.
• 継続経営 (Keizoku keiei) - Continuous management; the practice of managing something on a constant basis.
• 継続課金 (Keizoku kakin) - Continuous billing; regular payment for a service.
• 継続支払い (Keizoku shiharai) - Continuous payments; regular and recurring payments.
• 継続勉強 (Keizoku benkyō) - Continuous study; uninterrupted learning.
• 継続採用 (Keizoku saiyō) - Continuous hiring; the process of employing people on an ongoing basis.
• 継続発生 (Keizoku hassei) - Continuous occurrence; events that are happening repeatedly.
• 継続的改善 (Keizokuteki kaizen) - Continuous improvement; improvements that occur regularly.
• 継続報酬 (Keizoku hōshū) - Continuous rewards; benefits received regularly.
• 継続保証 (Keizoku hoshō) - Continuous guarantee; a promise to maintain a service or product over time.