Ongoing Actions and ‘Not Yet’: まだ and まだていません
The word "まだ" is a versatile term in Japanese that can mean "still" or "not yet," depending on the context. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation, making it an essential term for beginners to learn. In this post, we will explore the usage of "まだ" in various contexts, particularly focusing on "まだ～ていません" (have not yet ~).
"まだ" as "Still"
When "まだ" is used to mean "still," it indicates that a certain action or state is continuing. This usage often appears with verbs in the present continuous form.
わたし は まだ たべて います。 - I am still eating.
In this sentence, "まだ" emphasizes that the action of eating is ongoing.
かれ は まだ しごと を しています。 - He is still working.
Here, "まだ" indicates that the action of working has not been completed.
"まだ" as "Not Yet"
When "まだ" means "not yet," it implies that an expected action or state has not occurred. This usage is often paired with the negative form of verbs, especially in the structure "まだ～ていません."
わたし は まだ たべて いません。 - I have not eaten yet.
In this example, "まだ" emphasizes that the action of eating has not occurred.
かれ は まだ しごと を していません。 - He has not worked yet.
Here, "まだ" indicates that the action of working has not been initiated.
Comparing "まだ" and "もう"
A common confusion arises between "まだ" (not yet) and "もう" (already). Understanding the difference is crucial for clear communication. "もう" implies that something has already happened, while "まだ" indicates that something has not yet occurred or is still ongoing.
Japanese Phrase English Translation Meaning わたし は もう たべました。 I have already eaten. Action completed わたし は まだ たべて いません。 I have not eaten yet. Action not occurred かれ は もう しごと を しました。 He has already worked. Action completed かれ は まだ しごと を していません。 He has not worked yet. Action not occurred
Usage in Questions
"まだ" can also be used in questions to inquire whether an action has occurred or not. This is particularly useful in everyday conversations when confirming the status of an activity.
あなた は もう たべました か。 - Have you already eaten?
This question uses "もう" to ask if the action has been completed.
あなた は まだ たべて いません か。 - Haven't you eaten yet?
Here, "まだ" is used to check if the action has not yet occurred.
Expressing Anticipation
The phrase "まだ～ていません" can also express anticipation or the expectation that something will happen soon. It implies that the speaker expects the action to occur but notes that it hasn't happened yet.
わたし は まだ てがみ を もらって いません。 - I have not received the letter yet.
In this example, the speaker is likely expecting to receive the letter soon.
かれ は まだ しゅくだい を していません。 - He has not done his homework yet.
Here, there is an implication that he should or will do it soon.
"まだ" is a versatile word in Japanese that can mean "still" or "not yet," depending on the context. It can be used in affirmative sentences to indicate ongoing actions or in negative sentences to indicate that something has not happened. Additionally, "まだ～ていません" is a useful structure for expressing that an expected action has not yet occurred. Understanding these nuances can help beginners navigate everyday conversations more effectively.
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The word "まだ" is a versatile term in Japanese that can mean "still" or "not yet," depending on the context. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation, making it an essential term for beginners to learn. In this post, we will explore the usage of "まだ" in various contexts, particularly focusing on "まだ～ていません" (have not yet ~).
"まだ" as "Still"
When "まだ" is used to mean "still," it indicates that a certain action or state is continuing. This usage often appears with verbs in the present continuous form.
わたし は まだ たべて います。 - I am still eating.
In this sentence, "まだ" emphasizes that the action of eating is ongoing.
かれ は まだ しごと を しています。 - He is still working.
Here, "まだ" indicates that the action of working has not been completed.
"まだ" as "Not Yet"
When "まだ" means "not yet," it implies that an expected action or state has not occurred. This usage is often paired with the negative form of verbs, especially in the structure "まだ～ていません."
わたし は まだ たべて いません。 - I have not eaten yet.
In this example, "まだ" emphasizes that the action of eating has not occurred.
かれ は まだ しごと を していません。 - He has not worked yet.
Here, "まだ" indicates that the action of working has not been initiated.
Comparing "まだ" and "もう"
A common confusion arises between "まだ" (not yet) and "もう" (already). Understanding the difference is crucial for clear communication. "もう" implies that something has already happened, while "まだ" indicates that something has not yet occurred or is still ongoing.
| Japanese Phrase | English Translation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| わたし は もう たべました。 | I have already eaten. | Action completed |
| わたし は まだ たべて いません。 | I have not eaten yet. | Action not occurred |
| かれ は もう しごと を しました。 | He has already worked. | Action completed |
| かれ は まだ しごと を していません。 | He has not worked yet. | Action not occurred |
Usage in Questions
"まだ" can also be used in questions to inquire whether an action has occurred or not. This is particularly useful in everyday conversations when confirming the status of an activity.
あなた は もう たべました か。 - Have you already eaten?
This question uses "もう" to ask if the action has been completed.
あなた は まだ たべて いません か。 - Haven't you eaten yet?
Here, "まだ" is used to check if the action has not yet occurred.
Expressing Anticipation
The phrase "まだ～ていません" can also express anticipation or the expectation that something will happen soon. It implies that the speaker expects the action to occur but notes that it hasn't happened yet.
わたし は まだ てがみ を もらって いません。 - I have not received the letter yet.
In this example, the speaker is likely expecting to receive the letter soon.
かれ は まだ しゅくだい を していません。 - He has not done his homework yet.
Here, there is an implication that he should or will do it soon.
"まだ" is a versatile word in Japanese that can mean "still" or "not yet," depending on the context. It can be used in affirmative sentences to indicate ongoing actions or in negative sentences to indicate that something has not happened. Additionally, "まだ～ていません" is a useful structure for expressing that an expected action has not yet occurred. Understanding these nuances can help beginners navigate everyday conversations more effectively.