Processing keyword: まだ〜 (mada〜)

Japanese Grammar Point: まだ〜 (mada〜)

まだ〜 (mada〜) Grammar Point Explanation

1. Introduction

The Japanese grammar point まだ (mada) is a versatile expression primarily used to indicate "still" or "not yet." It plays a crucial role in expressing the ongoing nature of a situation or the expectation of something that has yet to occur.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The word まだ indicates that a state or condition has not changed and is expected to continue, or that a certain action has not yet been completed.
• Structure: まだ is generally used as follows:
  • With affirmative sentences: まだ + verb (in present or past form)
  • With negative sentences: まだ + い（negative form）+ verb (present)

Formation Diagram

Affirmative: まだ + Verb (Present or Past)
Negative: まだ + Verb (Negative Present)

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• もう (mou): The opposite of まだ. It means "already" and is used when an action has been completed.
  • Example: 彼はもう帰った。 (He has already gone home.)
• まだ emphasizes that something has not happened yet, while もう emphasizes that something has occurred.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context:

   • まだお昼ご飯を食べていません。
     • (I have not yet eaten lunch.)

2. Informal Context:

   • まだ宿題終わってない！
     • (I still haven't finished my homework!)

3. Written Context:

   • 彼女はまだ返事をくれていない。
     • (She still has not given me a reply.)

4. Spoken Context:

   • まだ寝ないの？
     • (Aren't you going to sleep yet?)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using まだ can imply a certain level of patience or expectation. In Japan, there is often an implicit understanding of ongoing situations, and using まだ conveys a sense of continuity that may reflect social norms of waiting or anticipation. It's a polite way to indicate that things are ongoing or yet to be finished.

Idiomatic Expressions

• まだまだです (mada mada desu) - "Still have a long way to go." It is often used to express modesty regarding one's skills or abilities.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using まだ with past tense: Some learners mistakenly use まだ with past tense sentences. It should only be used with present tense to signify ongoing situations or negative sentences for unfinished actions.
  • Incorrect: 彼はまだ来た。
  • Correct: 彼はまだ来ていない。

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember "mada" can be related to "waiting" for something to happen, just like waiting in anticipation for an event to occur.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• まだ (mada) means "still" or "not yet."
• It is used to express ongoing situations or that something has not occurred.
• Compare with もう (mou) which indicates completion.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I still haven't finished" in Japanese?
2. What is the opposite of まだ?
3. Would you use まだ with a past tense verb? Why or why not?

By mastering the usage of まだ (mada), learners can better express states of waiting or expectation in Japanese!