Carry on Meaning in English
expression
ˈkæɹi/, /ˈkɛɹi/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
KAIR-ee ON
kˈæɹi/ /ˈɒn
KAIR-ee ON
Definition
To continue doing something, especially after being interrupted or faced with difficulties. It can also mean to behave in an upset or emotional way, though this is less common.
Usage & Nuances
Common in conversational English; often used to encourage persistence ('carry on working'), or as instructions ('Please, carry on!'). In British English, can also refer to someone overreacting ('stop carrying on'). Not to be confused with 'carry' (to hold and transport something).
Spanish: continuar - seguir adelantePortuguese (BR): continuar - seguir em frentePortuguese (PT): continuar - seguir em frenteChinese (Simplified): 继续 - 坚持下去Chinese (Traditional): 繼續 - 堅持下去Hindi: जारी रखना - आगे बढ़नाArabic: واصل - استمرBengali: চালিয়ে যান - চালিয়ে যাওয়া - অব্যাহত রাখাRussian: продолжать - вести себя эмоционально (разг.)Japanese: 続ける - 騒ぐ (感情的にふるまう場合)Vietnamese: tiếp tục - làm ầm ĩ (hiếm)Korean: 계속하다 - 야단스럽게 굴다 (드물게)Turkish: devam etmek - abartılı davranmak (nadir)Urdu: جاری رکھنا - شور مچانا (کمیاب استعمال)Indonesian: tiếp tục - làm quá (hiếm khi dùng)
Example Sentences
Please carry on with your work.
basic
They told us to carry on despite the rain.
basic
Just carry on and do your best.
basic
Let's carry on where we left off yesterday.
natural
I know this is tough, but you have to carry on.
natural
Stop carrying on—it's not such a big deal!
natural