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 Mandarin phrase 仍然 (réng rán) is often translated to "still" or "yet" in English. It is used to express that a situation or condition remains unchanged over time. Understanding how to use 仍然 effectively can enhance your Mandarin fluency, especially in conversations that describe ongoing situations.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• 仍然 (réng rán) signifies continuity or persistence of a condition, often emphasizing that despite potential changes, some aspect remains the same.

Structure

• The structure of sentences using 仍然 typically follows this pattern:
  • Subject + 仍然 + Verb/Adjective + (Complement)

Formation Diagram

[Subject] + 仍然 + [Verb/Adjective] + [Complement]

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with 还 (hái)

• 仍然 (réng rán) vs 还 (hái):
  • 仍然 emphasizes the continuity of a state or action.
  • 还 can mean "also" or "still", but it implies an addition or a more casual continuation.
  • Example:
    • 她仍然在学习中文。(She is still studying Chinese.) - emphasizes she has been studying for a while.
    • 她还在学习中文。(She is still studying Chinese.) - implies she is continuing but could suggest she might do something else as well.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context:
   • 尽管天气很冷，孩子们仍然在外面玩儿。
     • (Jǐnguǎn tiānqì hěn lěng, háizimen réngrán zài wàimiàn wánr.)
     • (Although the weather is very cold, the children are still playing outside.)
2. Informal Context:
   • 你知道吗？她仍然喜欢那部电影。
     • (Nǐ zhīdào ma? Tā réngrán xǐhuān nà bù diànyǐng.)
     • (Do you know? She still likes that movie.)
3. Written Context:
   • 该公司的技术仍然处于行业领先地位。
     • (Gāi gōngsī de jìshù réngrán chǔyú hángyè lǐngxiān dìwèi.)
     • (The company's technology is still in a leading position in the industry.)
4. Spoken Context:
   • 他毕业五年了，但仍然没有找到工作。
     • (Tā bìyè wǔ nián le, dàn réngrán méiyǒu zhǎodào gōngzuò.)
     • (He graduated five years ago, but still hasn't found a job.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Chinese culture, expressing continuity or persistence is vital in conversations about effort and perseverance. Using 仍然 correctly can show respect for someone’s ongoing struggle or achievements.

Levels of Politeness

The use of 仍然 is generally polite. When addressing superiors or in formal situations, maintaining a respectful tone with appropriate context is crucial.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 仍然如故 (réng rán rú gù) - "Still the same as before", often used to describe someone returning to an unchanged state.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Confusing 仍然 with 还是 (háishì), which indicates either/or choices or suggests alternatives.
  • Tip: Remember, 仍然 emphasizes continuity, while 还是 often suggests options.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic: Think of "仍" as "remain" which can help remind you of the meaning of "still".

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 仍然 (réng rán) is used to express that something continues in the same state despite time or other changes.
• It is structured with a subject followed by the phrase, then a verb or adjective.
• Understanding its differences from similar terms like 还 (hái) can improve your clarity in conversations.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does 仍然 (réng rán) mean?
   • A) Yet
   • B) Still
   • C) Both A and B
2. Fill in the blank: 她____不喜欢吃蔬菜。
   • A) 仍然
   • B) 还
3. True or False: 仍然 can be replaced with 还是 without changing the meaning. (Answers: 1. C; 2. 仍然; 3. False)