まだ

still, not yet, still have, only

Build a strong foundation of Japanese with a high-frequency grammar and real-world phrases.

まだ is a versatile Japanese adverb that expresses concepts like "still," "not yet," "still have," or "only," depending on context. It is commonly used to describe ongoing situations, incomplete actions, or expectations that haven’t been fulfilled. Additionally, まだ can emphasize limited progress or quantity, often hinting at anticipation or hope for change.

Its tone adapts to the speaker’s intent, ranging from neutrality to impatience or hopefulness. As a fundamental part of everyday conversation, まだ helps speakers discuss time, progress, and expectations, making it an essential tool for effective communication in Japanese.

Structure

まだ + Verb［ている］

まだ + Verb［ていない］

まだ + Verb (Potential Form)

まだ + Adjective

まだ + Noun + が + いる

まだ + Noun + が + ある

まだ + Noun + だ

Level

Key uses

1. Expressing ongoing actions or states ("still")

まだ is used in positive sentences to indicate that something is ongoing or remains unchanged. This highlights continuity or persistence.

[ Additional Insight ]

まだ emphasizes an ongoing state, often with a sense of observation or mild surprise. This usage is common in daily conversations when discussing conditions or situations that persist longer than expected.

2. Indicating something is not yet complete ("not yet")

In negative sentences, まだ expresses that something has not yet occurred but is expected to happen eventually.

[ Additional Insight ]

This form often carries a sense of expectation or reassurance, as the speaker implies that the action is likely to be completed in the future. It’s frequently paired with negative forms of verbs.

3. Expressing surprise or emphasis with "still"

Depending on tone or context, まだ can convey surprise, impatience, or disbelief about a persistent state.

[ Additional Insight ]

This usage of まだ draws attention to an ongoing state that feels surprising or noteworthy, adding a layer of emotional nuance to the statement. It’s particularly effective in expressing admiration or disbelief in conversational Japanese.

4. Used with potential actions to indicate possibility

まだ can also highlight that an action is still possible, suggesting that there’s time or opportunity left to act.

[ Additional Insight ]

This positive usage of まだ conveys a sense of encouragement or urgency, emphasizing that it’s not too late to take action. It’s often used in motivational or urgent contexts to spur someone into action while there’s still a chance.

5. Using まだ to express "still have"

まだ can also indicate that something remains or is left, effectively conveying the meaning of "still have." This usage emphasizes continuation or availability, often focusing on resources, tasks, or time that has not yet been depleted or finished.

[ Additional Insight ]

This usage of まだ provides reassurance, signaling that there's enough time to accomplish something or avoid rushing. It can also subtly imply encouragement, reminding others to stay calm and focused instead of acting hastily. In more casual settings, this phrase can be used optimistically, as if to say, "There's no need to worry—there’s still time left to make it work."

6. Using まだ to express "only"

まだ can also be also used to convey the meaning of "only" when referring to a limited quantity, time, or progress. This usage emphasizes that something is at an early stage, not much has been completed, or only a small amount exists. It often carries an implicit sense of expectation or comparison, suggesting that more is expected or needed.

[ Additional Insight ]

The use of まだ to mean "only" often underscores limitations or the early stages of a situation. It highlights that the current state is less than what might be expected, creating a subtle sense of anticipation or mild disappointment.

This usage also conveys flexibility—depending on the tone, it can express optimism, surprise, or even slight impatience, making it a versatile tool in both casual and formal communication.

Comparisons

1. もう

まだ and もう are often paired as opposites. まだ describes something that is ongoing or not yet finished, while もう indicates that something has already happened or is no longer happening.