Processing keyword: まだ〜ないです (mada 〜 nai desu)

Japanese Grammar Point: まだ〜ないです (mada 〜 nai desu)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point まだ〜ないです (mada 〜 nai desu), which is used to express that something has not happened yet. This structure is commonly used in everyday conversation to indicate that an expected action or event hasn't occurred up to the present moment.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

まだ〜ないです translates to "not yet" or "still haven't" in English. It conveys that an action is pending but anticipated to happen in the future.

Structure

The basic structure is:

まだ + Verb (ていない form) + です。

Formation Diagram

Component	Function
まだ	"Not yet"
Verb (ていない form)	Negative present perfect form
です	Polite sentence ending

Detailed Explanation

• まだ (mada): An adverb meaning "still" or "not yet".
• Verb (ていない form): The verb is conjugated into the negative present continuous form, indicating an action that has not been completed.
• です (desu): A copula used to make the sentence polite. Note: The negative present continuous or present perfect form (ていない) expresses that an action has not been done up to now.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. もう〜ました (mō 〜 mashita)
   • Usage: Expresses that an action has already been completed.
   • Example: もう勉強しました。(Mō benkyō shimashita) - "I have already studied."
2. まだです (mada desu)
   • Usage: A shorter phrase meaning "not yet", often used alone.
   • Example: レポートは終わりましたか？ (Repōto wa owarimashita ka?) - "Have you finished the report?"
     • いいえ、まだです。 (Iie, mada desu.) - "No, not yet."

Differences and Nuances

• まだ〜ないです emphasizes that the action hasn't occurred but is expected.
• もう〜ました indicates the action has been completed.
• Using まだです alone is less specific and doesn't include the verb action.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Speech
   • 私はまだ朝ご飯を食べていないです。
     • Watashi wa mada asagohan o tabete inai desu.
     • "I haven't eaten breakfast yet."
2. Informal Speech
   • 彼はまだ来ていない。
     • Kare wa mada kite inai.
     • "He hasn't come yet."
3. Written Context
   • 新しい映画をまだ見ていないです。
     • Atarashii eiga o mada mite inai desu.
     • "I haven't seen the new movie yet."
4. Spoken Conversation
   • A: 会議は始まりましたか？
     Kaigi wa hajimarimashita ka?
     "Has the meeting started?"
   • B: いいえ、まだ始まっていないです。
     Iie, mada hajimatte inai desu.
     "No, it hasn't started yet."
5. Expressing Intentions
   • 宿題をまだしていないから、これからします。
     • Shukudai o mada shite inai kara, kore kara shimasu.
     • "I haven't done my homework yet, so I'll do it now."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness Levels: Adding です at the end makes the sentence polite, which is appropriate in formal situations or when speaking to someone of higher status.
• Expectation of Action: Using まだ〜ないです implies that you are aware of the pending action and possibly intend to complete it, reflecting responsibility and social awareness.

Idiomatic Expressions

• まだまだです
  Mada mada desu
  • Literal: "Not yet, not yet."
  • Meaning: "I still have a long way to go." Used to express humility when someone praises you.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Verb Form
   • 誤り (Mistake): まだ食べません。(Mada tabemasen.)
     • This translates to "I will not eat yet," which implies a decision not to eat now.
   • 正しい (Correct): まだ食べていないです。(Mada tabete inai desu.)
     • "I haven't eaten yet."
2. Omitting まだ
   • Forgetting to include まだ changes the meaning entirely.
   • 誤り: 書いていないです。(Kaite inai desu.) - "I'm not writing."
   • 正しい: まだ書いていないです。(Mada kaite inai desu.) - "I haven't written it yet."

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Pattern: まだ + Verb (ていない form) + です
• Practice with Common Verbs: Create sentences using verbs you frequently use.
• Listen and Repeat: Listen to native speakers using this structure to get a natural feel for it.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• まだ〜ないです is used to express actions that have not occurred yet but are expected to happen.
• The verb is in the ていない form (negative present continuous/present perfect).
• Adding です makes the sentence polite; omitting it makes the sentence casual.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate to Japanese: "I haven't decided yet."
   • Answer: まだ決めていないです。(Mada kimete inai desu.)
2. True or False: In まだ〜ないです, the verb should be in the affirmative form.
   • Answer: False. The verb should be in the negative form.
3. Fill in the Blank:
   映画を______見ていない。
   "I haven't watched the movie yet."
   • Answer: まだ (Mada)

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By mastering まだ〜ないです, you'll enhance your ability to discuss pending actions and express yourself more naturally in Japanese.

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