Definitions

(verb) to continue; to follow after
(verb) to succeed; to inherit
(adverb) then; afterwards

Etymology

Simplified form of . Originally written as , which depicts a continuous series of silk threads () joined together. The (silk) component was later added to clarify the meaning.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 继, traditionally written as 繼, is structured with the semantic component 糸 (silk) alongside a phonetic element that historically suggested connection. Etymologically, it derived from the concrete act of joining or extending silk threads, which informed its early sense of to connect or to extend. This meaning later expanded into abstract domains, encompassing to succeed, to inherit, and to follow in an unbroken sequence. The simplified form 继 preserves the 糸 component while altering the phonetic part, and the character's semantic focus has consistently been on continuation and succession.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Spring and Autumn (771-476 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

续向前走。

Ta jixu xiang qian zou.

He continues to walk forward.

续每天跑步。

Ta jixu meitian paobu.

She continues to run every day.

承了父亲的生意。

Ta jicheng le fuqin de shengyi.

He inherited his father's business.

雨停了,而太阳出来了。

Yu ting le, ji'er taiyang chulai le.

The rain stopped, and then the sun came out.

她决定续学习中文。

Ta jueding jixu xuexi Zhongwen.

She decided to continue learning Chinese.

他将任公司总经理。

Ta jiang jiren gongsi zongjingli.

He will succeed as the general manager of the company.

她的母对她很好。

Ta de jimu dui ta hen hao.

Her stepmother is very good to her.

尽管面临困难,他们仍续推进项目。

Jinguan mianlin kunnan, tamen reng jixu tuijin xiangmu.

Despite facing difficulties, they still continue to advance the project.