jìxù: 继续 - to continue, to go on, to proceed

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Summary: Learn how to use “jìxù” (继续), the essential Chinese verb for “to continue,” “to go on,” or “to proceed.” This page breaks down its meaning, cultural context, and practical usage with over 10 example sentences. Whether you're telling someone to keep talking, resuming work after a break, or encouraging a friend to keep trying, “jìxù” is a fundamental and straightforward word every beginner must master.

Pinyin (with tone marks): jìxù

Part of Speech: Verb

HSK Level: HSK 3

Concise Definition: To continue an action or state, typically after an interruption or pause.

In a Nutshell: Think of “jìxù” as pressing the “play” button after hitting “pause.” It’s about resuming something that was already in progress. If you were working, took a coffee break, and then went back to work, that act of returning to your task is “jìxù”. It’s a very direct and functional word, essential for managing the flow of actions and conversations.

继 (jì): This character means “to continue” or “to follow.” The radical on the left, 纟(sī), means “silk” or “thread.” It visually suggests connecting a thread, symbolizing continuity and succession.

续 (xù): This character also means “to continue” or “to add on.” It shares the same 纟(sī) radical, again emphasizing the idea of a continuous thread. The right side gives the character its sound.

When combined, 继续 (jìxù) is a powerful and clear concept. The repetition of the “silk thread” radical doubles down on the meaning of “connection” and “unbrokenness.” It literally feels like “connecting the thread and then adding more thread,” creating a very strong sense of ongoing action.

While “jìxù” is a simple verb, it often taps into the important Chinese cultural value of perseverance (坚持 - jiānchí). Phrases like “继续努力 (jìxù nǔlì)“ (continue to work hard) and “继续加油 (jìxù jiāyóu)“ (keep going / keep up the effort) are incredibly common forms of encouragement. They reflect a cultural mindset that values diligence, resilience, and seeing a task through to the end.

Comparison to Western Concepts: In English, we might say “carry on” or “keep at it.” These phrases are very similar, but the cultural background can be different. When a Chinese teacher or parent says “继续努力,” it often carries an implicit expectation of sustained effort as a key to success and a reflection of good character. It's less of a casual “keep it up” and more of a sincere directive to maintain one's path of hard work and self-improvement.

“Jìxù” is a high-frequency word used in virtually all aspects of modern life. It's neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal situations.

In Conversation: Used to prompt someone to continue speaking after an interruption. For example, if your phone rings while a friend is telling a story, you might say, “你继续说 (Nǐ jìxù shuō)” - “Please, go on.”

At Work or School: It's used to indicate the resumption of an activity. A manager might say, “我们休息十分钟，然后继续开会 (Wǒmen xiūxi shí fēnzhōng, ránhòu jìxù kāihuì)” - “We'll take a ten-minute break, then continue the meeting.”

As Encouragement: As mentioned above, “继续加油! (Jìxù jiāyóu!)” is a staple phrase used to cheer on friends, colleagues, or athletes.

Describing an Ongoing State: It can describe a continuous, uninterrupted state, especially in narrative. For example, “雨继续下了一整夜 (Yǔ jìxù xiàle yī zhěng yè)” - “The rain continued to fall for the whole night.”

`* 坚持 (jiānchí)` - To persevere, to insist on. While “jìxù” is the neutral act of continuing, “jiānchí” implies willpower, determination, and overcoming difficulty.

`* 不断 (búduàn)` - Unceasingly, continuously (adverb). Describes an action that happens repeatedly or without interruption, like “the phone was constantly ringing.”

`* 接着 (jiēzhe)` - To follow, to carry on. Often implies a sequence of *different* but connected actions. “I finished my homework, and *then* (接着) I watched TV.” “Jìxù” usually refers to resuming the *same* action.

`* 暂停 (zàntíng)` - To pause, to suspend. The direct antonym. You `暂停` (pause) a game, and then you `继续` (continue) it.

`* 还 (hái)` - Still, yet. An adverb used to describe a state that has not changed and is ongoing without interruption.

`* 再 (zài)` - Again, once more. An adverb indicating the repetition of a completed action.

`* 努力 (nǔlì)` - To strive, to make a great effort. A verb that is frequently paired with “jìxù” to mean “continue to work hard.”