Translation guide
The English phrase "go on" has many meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: continuing an action, happening, proceeding to do something, talking too much, and a few other uses.
何が起こっているの？
What's going on?
To keep doing something without stopping.
Attach 続ける to the masu-stem of a verb to mean 'continue doing V'. This is the most direct and common way to express 'go on doing'.
彼は話し続けた。
He went on talking.
雨が降り続けている。
It has been going on raining.
Used with verbs to indicate that an action continues into the future or over time. Often implies a natural progression.
これからも頑張っていく。
I'll go on doing my best from now on.
Literally 'continue as is'. Used when telling someone to go on with what they were doing.
そのまま続けてください。
Please go on (with what you were doing).
To ask or say what is happening, especially in a situation.
The most natural way to ask 'What's going on?' when something seems wrong or unusual.
ここで何が起こっているの？
What's going on here?
A casual way to ask 'What's going on?' or 'What's the matter?'. Implies concern.
どうしたの？何かあった？
What's going on? Did something happen?
More formal, used for events or activities. 'What is taking place?'
あの建物で何が行われているの？
What's going on in that building?
To move on to the next action or topic.
Simply 'next, V'. Used to transition to the next step or topic.
次に、結果について話しましょう。
Let's go on to talk about the results.
Means 'move on to V'. Common in presentations or meetings.
次の議題に移りましょう。
Let's go on to the next topic.
Literally 'advance forward'. Used when you want to proceed without delay.
時間がないので、先に進みましょう。
We're short on time, so let's go on.
To describe someone talking continuously, often annoyingly.
Means 'keep chattering'. Often used when someone won't stop talking.
彼は自分のことについてしゃべり続けた。
He went on about himself.
Means 'speak at length'. Can be neutral or slightly negative depending on context.
彼女はその問題について長々と話した。
She went on about the issue.
Means 'to grumble on and on' or 'to harp on'. Strongly negative nuance.
彼はいつまでもくどくど言っている。
He's going on and on forever.
Urging someone to proceed with an action.
A common way to say 'Go on, please' when offering something or encouraging someone.
さあ、どうぞ。遠慮しないで。
Go on, don't be shy.
Casual encouragement: 'Go on, try it.'
怖がらないで、やってみて。
Don't be scared, go on and try.
To use something as evidence or a reason.
Means 'based on N'. Used for decisions, judgments, or actions.
証拠に基づいて判断する。
We can't just go on what he said.
Means 'rely on N'. Often used when you have no other choice.
彼の言葉だけを頼りにするのは危険だ。
It's dangerous to go on his word alone.
As time goes by.
Means 'as time goes on'. A standard expression.
時間が経つにつれて、痛みは和らいだ。
As time went on, the pain eased.
More literary: 'as the years go on'.
年月が経つうちに、彼の記憶は薄れた。
As the years went on, his memory faded.
When a device or light starts operating.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to turn on' or 'to come on'. Used for lights, power, etc.
突然、明かりがついた。
Suddenly, the light went on.
Formal/technical term for 'light up' or 'illuminate'.
警告ランプが点灯した。
The warning light went on.
The English 'go on' is highly idiomatic. Avoid directly translating 'go' and 'on' into Japanese. Instead, use the appropriate verb or pattern for the specific meaning.
話し続ける
go on talking
何が起こっているの？
What's going on?