Translation guide
The English word "still" has several distinct meanings: continuing up to now, despite something, even more, and motionless. This guide breaks them down by use.
Expressing that a state or action continues from the past into the present.
Use まだ with an affirmative verb or adjective to mean 'still'. It indicates that a state or action is ongoing.
まだ雨が降っています。
It is still raining.
彼はまだ若い。
He is still young.
When used with a negative verb, まだ means 'still not' or 'not yet'. This is a very common pattern.
まだ食べていません。
I still haven't eaten.
彼はまだ来ない。
He still hasn't come.
Expressing that something happens or is true even though there is a reason against it.
A conjunction meaning 'but still', 'even so', or 'nevertheless'. Used at the start of a sentence.
雨が降っている。それでも出かけなければならない。
It's raining. Still, I have to go out.
An adverb meaning 'after all', 'still', or 'as expected'. It can imply that despite other possibilities, the outcome is as one thought.
いろいろ考えたけど、やっぱり行くことにした。
I thought about it a lot, but I still decided to go.
Means 'and yet' or 'but still'. Stronger than それでも, often expressing frustration or surprise.
Emphasizing a greater degree, often with comparatives.
Means 'more' or 'still more'. Used with adjectives and verbs.
もっと大きいのが欲しい。
I want a still bigger one.
Means 'furthermore', 'even more', or 'still more'. Slightly formal.
Formal/literary 'still more', 'furthermore'. Often used in written language.
なお一層のご支援をお願いします。
We ask for your still greater support.
Describing something that is not moving or making no sound.
The most common word for 'quiet' or 'still' (as in calm, silent).
静かな夜だった。
It was a still night.
Literally 'not moving'. Used for physical stillness.
彼は動かないで立っていた。
He stood still.
Technical term for 'stationary' or 'still'. Used in science or formal contexts.
静止した物体
a still object
まだ means 'still' (ongoing), while もう means 'already'. In negative sentences, まだ means 'not yet', and もう means 'no longer'.
まだ雨が降っている。
It is still raining.
もう雨は降っていない。
It is no longer raining.
In English, 'still' and 'yet' are different. In Japanese, まだ covers both 'still' (affirmative) and 'not yet' (negative). Be careful with the verb form.
A formal, written expression meaning 'still' or 'as yet'. Often used in news or reports.
問題は依然として残っている。
The problem still remains.
彼は約束した。それなのに来なかった。
He promised. And yet he didn't come.
Still more effort is needed.