続ける vs 引き続く
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 続ける
Listen to 引き続く
| 続ける | 引き続く |
|---|---|
tsu-ZU-ke-ru verb | ひきつづく verb |
| to continue; to keep doing something | to follow one after another; to continue |
How they differ
引き続く usually describes one thing continuing after another, or a state/event carrying on from what came before. It is less about an intentional action you personally keep doing, and more about a situation that continues.
When to use each
When to use 続ける: Use 続ける when a person actively keeps doing something.
When to use 引き続く: Use 引き続く when describing events, conditions, or instructions that continue from before.
Side-by-side examples
- 彼は走り続ける。
(He keeps running.) - 雨が引き続く。
(The rain continues.)
Register & nuance: 引き続く is more literary or formal than 続ける, and is often used for events, weather, or announcements.