Continuation and connection with 続
The kanji 続 has the core meanings of continue, follow, and connect on.
It often suggests one thing being tied onto what came before, whether that means lasting over time, following in sequence, or attaching one part to another.
Etymology
This kanji is a phono-semantic compound. The old form 續 is comprised of 糸 (thread) as the semantic component and 𧶠 as the phonetic component, later simplified into the modern education form 続. These invoke imagery of fastening a new thread onto an existing line so it keeps going.
Common Words
連続: Continuation
連続 means continuation, succession, or being consecutive. It is used when things happen one after another without a break, such as repeated events, consecutive days, or continuous motion.
It combines 連 (link) with 続 (continue) to show things linked in unbroken sequence.
In the same class since preschool with 連続
With the new school year, Takeo and Sunakawa are in the same class again. Takeo tells his girlfriend, Yamato, about it.
- 大和:
- 「えー １４年連続同じクラスなんだー！！」
- “Wow, you've been in the same class together for 14 years in a row!!”
存続: Survival
存続 means continued existence, survival, or remaining in force. It is used for organizations, traditions, laws, and situations that keep existing instead of disappearing.
It combines 存 (exist) with 続 (continue) to show existing on into the future.
Keeping a museum from shutting down with 事件
Following the solving of a murder case, Detective Mouri reads an article about the museum where the murder took place.
- 蘭:
- 「へーーー あの美術館続けることになったんだ…」
- “Wow... So they decided to keep the art museum open after all...”
- 毛利:
- 「ああ… 事件のせいで美術館を存続させようという市民の声が上がったからな…」
- “Yeah... Because of the incident, there was a public outcry to keep the art museum open...”
続行: Continuation
続行 means continuation, proceeding, or carrying on. It is used when an action, event, plan, or operation continues, often after discussion, interruption, or changing circumstances.
It combines 続 (continue) with 行 (carry out) to show continuing to carry something forward.
Continuing to fight with 続行
Meimi can’t stand Asuka Jr. speaking ill of her secret alter ego, Saint Tail, and the two get into a fight over it before class. Seira tugs at Meimi’s shirt, but Meimi says, “Don’t stop me, Seira.” The teacher’s voice repeats back, “‘Don’t stop me’…”
- シスター:
- 「つまり『ケンカを続行したいーー…』と」
- “In other words, 'I want to keep on fighting...'”
続出: One after another
続出 means appearing one after another in succession. It is often used in news or formal writing when incidents, complaints, or discoveries keep coming.
It combines 続 (continue) with 出 (come out) to show things coming out continuously.
Strange incidents on after another in Tokyo with 続出
Luna introduces herself to Usagi, but Usagi thinks she’s dreaming if a cat is speaking to her. Luna gives Usagi a special brooch, then proceeds to explain the dire situation that has brought them together.
- ルナ:
- 「いまTOKYOは変な事件が続出してるわ」
- “Strange incidents are popping up all over Tokyo these days.”
- 「警察の手にはおえないような事件がね」
- “Incidents that seem beyond the police’s control, you know.”