尚 ①
Still, Even, Yet
Structure
なお + Nounもいる
なお + Nounもある
なお + Noun + だ(1)
(1) である
Explanation
When placed at the start of a sentence or clause, the adverb 尚 'still' is used to add new information that persists despite what was previously stated. This usage is common after a clause ending in も, serving to highlight that 'even though (A) happened', something else, (B), 'is still the case'. It often implies that the information in part (B) is somewhat unexpected or surprising.
In most situations, this grammar will be written using hiragana. Furthermore, it is common for the clause following 尚 to also contain the particle も, which helps to underline that the new information is 'also' true, on top of everything else.
- 薬を飲んでもなお、熱が下がらない。My fever still won't go down, even after taking medicine.
- 弟は母に何度も叱られてもなお、いたずらをやめない。My little brother still won't stop playing pranks, even though my mom has scolded him many times.
- この村では今もなお、その古い言い伝えが信じられている。In this village, that old legend is still believed even today.
- 謝った後もなお、彼はまだ怒っている。He is still angry, even after I apologized.
今もなお has become a fixed expression that you may encounter in various contexts. Despite this, 尚 on its own is considered a fairly formal grammar point.
Examples
あの有名な絵画の真の意味は、今も尚不明である。
The true meaning of that famous painting is still unclear.
父親になっても尚、夜中までゲームをするのをやめられない人もいる。
There are some people who, even after becoming a father, still can't stop playing video games until the middle of the night.
先生になっても尚、人前で話すのが苦手な方もいるらしい。
Apparently, there are people who become teachers but are still not good at speaking in front of people.
タバコが体に悪いと分かっていても尚やめようとしない人が多い。
Many people know smoking is bad for their body, but still don't try to quit.
あの古いお城は今も尚、地元の人々に愛されている。
That old castle is still beloved by the local people to this day.
治療を続けても尚回復の兆候が見られなかった。
Even after continuing the treatment, there were still no signs of recovery.
審判に警告されても尚抗議し続ける選手は退場させられた。
The player who still continued to protest even after being warned by the referee was ejected from the game.
たくさん練習しても尚日本語が不十分なので、もっと勉強する必要がある。
Even with a lot of practice, my Japanese is still insufficient, so I need to study more.
何度も試験に落ちても尚前向きな彼女の姿勢はすごいと思う。
Even though she has failed the exam many times, I think it's amazing how she still maintains a positive attitude.
コンサートが終わっても尚観客の拍手が鳴り止まなかった。
Even after the concert was over, the audience's applause still wouldn't stop.
このお祭りは江戸時代以来、今も尚村人たちによって守られている。これからも続いていくだろう。
This festival has been kept alive by the villagers since the Edo period and is still protected by them today. It will likely continue on into the future.
あのラーメン屋は売り切れても尚並ぶお客さんが絶えないほどの人気店だそうだ。
I heard that ramen shop is so popular that even after they sell out, there is still an endless line of customers.