Guide: How to Say “Yet” in Chinese

Learning how to say “yet” in Chinese can greatly enhance your conversational skills and allow you to express nuances of time and expectation. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to express “yet” in Chinese, providing tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.

Formal Ways to Say “Yet” in Chinese

When speaking formally in Chinese, you can use the word “还没有” (hái méiyǒu) to convey the meaning of “yet.” Here, “还” (hái) means “still” or “yet,” and “没有” (méiyǒu) means “do not have” or “not yet.”

For instance, if someone asks you if you have finished your homework, you can respond:

你做完作业了吗？ (nǐ zuò wán zuòyè le ma?) – Have you finished your homework?
还没有。 (hái méiyǒu) – Not yet.

With “还没有” (hái méiyǒu), you convey a formal tone while expressing the idea of “yet.”

Informal Ways to Say “Yet” in Chinese

Informally, there are a few different ways to express “yet” in Chinese, depending on the context and region. Here are three commonly used phrases:

1. 还没 (hái méi) – This is a shortened version of “还没有” (hái méiyǒu) and carries the same meaning. It is frequently used in spoken language and is more casual.
   For example:
   

   你吃饭了吗？ (nǐ chīfàn le ma?) – Have you eaten?
   还没。 (hái méi) – Not yet.

2. 还没来得及 (hái méi lái dé jí) – This phrase implies the sense of “not yet had the chance/opportunity to.” It is often used when expressing a delay due to timing or other constraints.
   For example:
   

   你回家了吗？ (nǐ huí jiā le ma?) – Have you gone home?
   还没来得及。 (hái méi lái dé jí) – Not yet had the chance.

3. 还早着呢 (hái zǎo zhe ne) – This phrase is used to convey that something is still early or premature. It emphasizes that the action or event has not reached the expected time or level yet.
   For example:
   

   现在去太早了吧？ (xiànzài qù tài zǎo le ba?) – Isn’t it too early to go now?
   还早着呢。 (hái zǎo zhe ne) – It’s still too early.

Tips and Examples

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you master the usage of “yet” in Chinese:

• Use appropriate facial expressions and tone while using these phrases to convey the intended meaning clearly.
• When using “还没” (hái méi), you can omit “还” (hái) in informal situations without changing the meaning. For example, instead of saying “还没吃饭” (hái méi chīfàn), you can say “没吃饭” (méi chīfàn) to express “not yet eaten.”
• Be mindful of the context when choosing the informal phrases mentioned above, as some may be more suitable for specific situations. For instance, “还早着呢” (hái zǎo zhe ne) is commonly used to respond when someone suggests doing something prematurely.
• Practice using these phrases with native Chinese speakers to familiarize yourself with their correct pronunciation and usage in conversation.

Remember, language is dynamic, and regional variations may exist for informal expressions. However, the formal phrase “还没有” (hái méiyǒu) is universally understood and widely used in formal contexts throughout China and other Chinese-speaking regions.

By mastering the different ways to say “yet” in Chinese, you will be able to express ideas of incompleteness, delays, and stillness more accurately, adding depth to your conversations and interactions.