continuez

Continuez is the second-person plural present indicative form and the imperative form of the French verb continuer, meaning to continue or go on. As a present-tense form, it corresponds to "you continue" when addressing more than one person or when using the formal second-person singular. The imperative form "Continuez!" is used to give a direct command or instruction to multiple people or to a single person in a formal context.

Etymology and meaning: continuer comes from Old French continuer, itself from Latin continuare, meaning to hang together or to carry on without interruption. The core sense of continuez, therefore, is to keep moving forward in space or time, or to persist in an action or state. In extended use, it can convey perseverance, progression, or ongoing activity.

Conjugation and forms: continuer is a regular -er verb. Present indicative forms are: je continue, tu continues, il/elle continue, nous continuons, vous continuez, ils/elles continuent. The imperative forms are: (tu) continue, (nous) continuons, (vous) continuez. In usage, "continuez" is common in directions, instructions, and formal dialogue, while "continue" would be used for the informal singular address.

Usage notes: continuez appears frequently in road signs, manuals, or customer-service interactions to direct action or reassure ongoing effort. It can be used literally, as in "Continuez tout droit" (Keep going straight), or figuratively, as in "Continuez votre travail" (Continue your work). The term is neutral in tone and widely understood across French-speaking regions. See also continuer and continuité for related forms and concepts.