Processing keyword: 还没 (hái méi) - Still not/haven't yet

Mandarin Grammar Point: 还没 (hái méi) - Still not/haven't yet

Grammar Point: 还没 (hái méi) - Still not / Haven't yet

1. Introduction

The phrase "还没" (hái méi) is frequently used in Mandarin Chinese to indicate that something has not happened up to the present moment. It conveys a sense of continuation or ongoing expectation.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

"还没" is a combination of two components:

• 还 (hái): means "still" or "yet"
• 没 (méi): negates the verb, meaning "not" or "have not" Together, they form a structure that indicates that an action or event has not yet occurred.

Structure

The typical structure for using "还没" is:

Subject + 还没 + Verb + (Object)

Formation Diagram

[Subject] + 还没 + [Verb] + [Object]
     (hái méi)    

3. Comparative Analysis

"还没" is often compared with other negation phrases:

• 没 (méi): Just "not" or "didn't" without the meaning of "yet."

  • Example: 我没吃 (wǒ méi chī) - I didn’t eat (implies it's a completed action).

• 还没有 (hái méi yǒu): This is a more formal way of saying "still not" or "haven't yet," which is used in formal writing or speeches. Key Difference:

• "还没" indicates ongoing relevance in the present, while "没" refers to a completed negation.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Informal Context:
   • Question: 你吃早餐了吗？
     (Nǐ chī zǎocān le ma?)
     Have you had breakfast?
   • Answer: 还没。
     (Hái méi.)
     Not yet.
2. Formal Context:
   • Statement: 这份报告还没完成。
     (Zhè fèn bàogào hái méi wánchéng.)
     This report is still not finished.
3. Spoken Example:
   • Question: 你的朋友来了吗？
     (Nǐ de péngyǒu lái le ma?)
     Has your friend arrived?
   • Response: 他还没来。
     (Tā hái méi lái.)
     He hasn't come yet.
4. Written Example:
   • Announcement: 这个活动的票还没售完。
     (Zhège huódòng de piào hái méi shòuwán.)
     Tickets for this event haven’t been sold out yet.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Chinese culture, expressing that things have "not yet" occurred can be tied to notions of timeliness and expectation. It’s common to politely clarify that something is still pending, which reflects the value placed on efficiency and communication.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 常常 (chángcháng) - which means "often" can be used to express repeated situations where something hasn't occurred yet: “我常常还没准备好。” (Wǒ chángcháng hái méi zhǔnbèi hǎo.) - I often am not ready yet.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Using "还没" without a verb.
  • Incorrect: 我还没。
  • Correct: 我还没吃。 (Wǒ hái méi chī.) - I haven't eaten yet.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: To remember "还没," think of it as "still no" where both parts emphasize the delay—still (还) and not (没).

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• "还没" indicates that an action has not occurred up until now.
• Structure: Subject + 还没 + Verb + (Object).
• Common in both spoken and written contexts, with a focus on ongoing relevance.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you use "还没" in a sentence?
2. What is the difference between "还没" and "没"?
3. Provide a sentence using "还没" to indicate that homework isn't finished yet. Feel free to ask for further clarifications or additional examples!