expression
as is; as it is; like this; at this rate
Used when something continues unchanged, whether a state, action, or situation. Can express a decision to leave things as they are, or a warning that if things continue this way, a certain outcome will follow.
このまま待っていてください。
Please wait here as you are.
このままだと遅刻するよ。
At this rate, you'll be late.
そのまま refers to something being left as it is in a more immediate or concrete sense, often 'just like that' or 'without change,' while このまま emphasizes the current ongoing state or trend continuing.
Compound of この (this) and まま (state, condition). The word まま is a native Japanese noun indicating an unchanged state.