まだ
Still, Not yet
Structure
まだ + Noun + が + いる
まだ + Noun + が + ある
Explanation
The word まだ corresponds to 'still' in positive sentences and 'not yet' in negative ones. This is because まだ carries the core meaning that a situation is continuing, often contrary to expectations.
- まだ雨が降っている。It is still raining. (Although it was expected to have stopped, it's still raining)
- まだ時間が少しあるから大丈夫。There is still a little time, so we're fine. (Although we might have expected to be out of time, we're not)
- まだ熱があるから、学校を休む。I still have a fever, so I'm skipping school. (Although I expected it to be gone, I still have a fever)
From these examples, we can understand that まだ is used in the following ways.
(Non-past) - Something is unexpectedly still present or in a particular state. In English, this is 'still'.
(ている) - An action is unexpectedly still in progress. In English, this is also 'still'.
The negative form, often translated as 'not yet', is covered in the grammar point まだ～ていません.
This provides a contrast to もう, which signifies that something has already concluded, often surprisingly so.
まだ can also be used in questions. A speaker uses it when they assume an action or state is ongoing and wish to confirm it.
- まだその本を読んでいるの？Are you still reading that book?
Fun Fact
まだ is frequently used to imply that something is 'incomplete' or 'has not yet reached a sufficient level'. To add emphasis in these situations, まだ is often repeated as まだまだ.
- まだまだ子供だね。You're still just a kid. (You are still VERY immature/inexperienced)
Examples
財布にお金がまだあります。
There is still money in the wallet.
まだ寝ていますか。
Are you still sleeping!?
「君にはまだ無理だよ。」
''It's still impossible for you.''
まだエアコンがついているの？
The air conditioner is still on?
まだ頭が痛い。
My head still hurts.
まだ、電話で話しているでしょう。
He is still talking on the phone, isn't he?
まだ眠い。
I'm still sleepy.
まだ、部屋を掃除しています。
I am still cleaning my room.
あのバスをまだ待っています。
I am still waiting for that bus.
まだ時間がある。
There's still time.
山田さんは、まだ会社にいます。
Yamada-san is still at the office.
父は、まだ散歩に行っている。
My father is still out for a walk.