まだ
Meanings
Indicates that a state or action continues unchanged. Often used in affirmative sentences.
He is still young.
It is still light outside.
Used with a negative verb to indicate that something has not happened or is not the case yet.
It is not finished yet.
He hasn't come yet.
Only with reading まだ
Expresses that there is an additional amount, degree, or number beyond what is already present. Often used with quantities or comparisons.
Please give me a little more. I can still eat.
There are still more difficult problems.
at least; comparatively; relatively
Only with reading まだ
Used when comparing something favorably to a worse alternative, implying 'this is better/more acceptable than the other option'. Often in the pattern まだ…ほうがいい or まだまし.
This is still better (than the alternative).
A taxi is still cheaper than walking (in this situation).
unfinished; incomplete; not yet done
Only with reading まだ
Used as a na-adjective to describe something that is not yet completed or still in progress. Often appears in casual speech.
Is your homework still not done?
It seems the preparations are still incomplete.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉はまだ終わっていない〈something〉 has not finished yet
I haven't finished my homework yet.
- まだ〈数〉あるthere is/are still 〈a certain amount/number〉 left
There is still plenty of time left.
- まだ〈形容詞〉ほうがいいit's still better to be 〈adjective〉 (than the alternative)
It's still better to have cold weather than rain.
- 〈物〉はまだだ〈something〉 is not ready/done yet
The food isn't ready yet.