まま・
まま says that a state remains unchanged. It can describe the state that still exists now, or a second action done while that state continues.
The unchanged state
Think of the first part as setting a snapshot that remains true. With a past verb, the action has happened and its result continues; with a negative verb, the action has not happened, and that absence continues into what follows.
With verbs
Choosing the ending
ままだ states that the condition remains as it is. Use ままで when another action follows. In suitable expressions, ままにする or ままにしておく means to leave something in the stated condition.
With nouns and adjectives
Leaving something in that state
ドアは開けたままにしておいてください。
Please leave the door open.
AnalyzeHere the door is deliberately kept in the state produced by opening it.
A state left unchanged versus no further development
たまま focuses neutrally on the state that remains. たきり more strongly suggests that an expected next event has not occurred since the first action, often leaving an unresolved gap.
彼は海外へ行ったきり、家族に連絡していない。
He went abroad and has not contacted his family since.
AnalyzeThe lack of later contact is the important unresolved development.
Neutral state versus neglect
まま does not itself mean that someone was careless. っぱなし readily sounds critical when an action or its result is left unattended.
More examples
眼鏡をかけたまま寝てしまった。
I accidentally fell asleep with my glasses on.
Analyze靴を脱がないまま部屋に入らないでください。
Please do not enter the room without taking off your shoes.
Analyzeこの町は昔のままだ。
This town is still just as it was long ago.
Analyze子どもたちは元気なまま山頂に着いた。
The children reached the summit still full of energy.
Analyze家具は引っ越した日のまま置かれている。
The furniture is still arranged as it was on the day of the move.
Analyze会議中は携帯電話を切ったままにしておいた。
I kept my phone turned off during the meeting.
Analyze