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.
I'm still working.
It's still raining.
Still, I want to go.
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.
It is still raining.
He is still young.
When used with a negative verb, まだ means 'still not' or 'not yet'. This is a very common pattern.
I still haven't eaten.
Expressing that something happens or is true even though there is a reason against it.
Emphasizing a greater degree, often with comparatives.
Means 'more' or 'still more'. Used with adjectives and verbs.
Describing something that is not moving or making no sound.
The most common word for 'quiet' or 'still' (as in calm, silent).
まだ means 'still' (ongoing), while もう means 'already'. In negative sentences, まだ means 'not yet', and もう means 'no longer'.
It is still raining.
彼はまだ来ない。
He still hasn't come.
A formal, written expression meaning 'still' or 'as yet'. Often used in news or reports.
The problem still remains.
A conjunction meaning 'but still', 'even so', or 'nevertheless'. Used at the start of a sentence.
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.
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.
He promised. And yet he didn't come.
I want a still bigger one.
Means 'furthermore', 'even more', or 'still more'. Slightly formal.
Still more effort is needed.
Formal/literary 'still more', 'furthermore'. Often used in written language.
We ask for your still greater support.
It was a still night.
Literally 'not moving'. Used for physical stillness.
He stood still.
Technical term for 'stationary' or 'still'. Used in science or formal contexts.
a still object
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.