Processing keyword: 仍然 (réng rán) - Still, Yet

Mandarin Grammar Point: 仍然 (réng rán) - Still, Yet

Grammar Point: 仍然 (réng rán) - Still, Yet

1. Introduction

The Chinese phrase 仍然 (réng rán) translates to "still" or "yet" in English. It is used to indicate that a situation or condition continues to exist and has not changed over time. This term is commonly used in both spoken and written Mandarin.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The phrase 仍然 is composed of two characters:

• 仍 (réng) - means "still" or "to continue."
• 然 (rán) - is often used in classical Chinese to mean "that way" or "as such."

Structure & Formation

In a sentence, 仍然 is typically placed before the verb or adjective it modifies, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the action or state. Sentence Structure:

• Subject + 仍然 + Verb/Adjective + (Object)

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points:

• 还 (hái): Also means "still" but is often used in the context of addition or "also" in sentences.
• 依然 (yīrán): Very similar to 仍然 but carries a slightly more poetic or formal tone. Differences:
• 仍然 focuses on continuity or persistence, while 还 indicates an ongoing process or adding an item to a list.
• 依然 is often perceived as more literary compared to 仍然.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Usage:
   • 在这个问题上，我们仍然没有达成共识。
   • (Zài zhège wèntí shàng, wǒmen réngrán Méiyǒu dáchéng gòngshì.)
   • On this issue, we still have not reached a consensus.
2. Informal Usage:
   • 他仍然喜欢吃冰淇淋。
   • (Tā réngrán xǐhuān chī bīngqílín.)
   • He still likes to eat ice cream.
3. Written Context:
   • 虽然经济下滑，企业仍然在招聘新员工。
   • (Suīrán jīngjì xiàhuá, qǐyè réngrán zài zhāopìn xīn yuángōng.)
   • Although the economy is declining, the company is still hiring new employees.
4. Spoken Context:
   • 你们的关系还好吗？他们说你们仍然是朋友。
   • (Nǐmen de guānxi hái hǎo ma? Tāmen shuō nǐmen réngrán shì péngyǒu.)
   • How's your relationship? They say you are still friends.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using 仍然 appropriately reflects a speaker's understanding of continuity in relationships and situations, which is important in Chinese culture. The usage of 仍然 may indicate the speaker’s hopefulness about the persistence of a situation.

Levels of Politeness

There is no significant difference in formality for using 仍然; it can be used in both casual and formal conversations without concern for politeness levels.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 仍然如故 (réngrán rú gù) - still as it was; unchanged, still the same.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect Placement: Beginners might misuse the placement of 仍然. It should not be placed at the end of the sentence.
  • Incorrect: "我在工作仍然。" (Wǒ zài gōngzuò réngrán.)
  • Correct: "我仍然在工作。" (Wǒ réngrán zài gōngzuò.)

Learning Strategies

• Use mnemonic devices such as associating 仍 (continue) with a constant state of being to remember its connotation of persistence.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 仍然 means "still" or "yet" and is used to indicate that a situation continues to persist.
• It should be placed before verbs/adjectives in sentences.
• It is different from similar terms like 还 and 依然 in usage and tone.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does 仍然 mean?
2. Where should you place 仍然 in a sentence?
3. How does 仍然 differ from 还? This lesson on 仍然 (réng rán) provides you with a better understanding of its usage in Mandarin Chinese, enabling you to express ongoing situations effectively!