まだ
mada
The Japanese word for 'yet' is まだ (mada).
まだ can mean both 'still' (an ongoing state) and 'yet' (an event that hasn't happened), depending on whether the verb is affirmative or negative.
Meaning: nevertheless, however (conj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, the expression まだ～てへん is commonly used to represent 'yet'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing that something has not happened yet, まだ is typically used in conjunction with a negative verb form, such as in the construction まだ … ない.
How do you pronounce it?
mada
Did you know?
- In high-pressure environments like sports or gaming, a shout of まだ is often used as a defiant 'I am not finished yet', signaling a comeback to the opponent.
- Japanese speakers may use まだ to politely decline an offer of food or drink by implying they are 'still' full, allowing them to refuse without using the word 'no'.
- There is a subtle distinction where まだ describes a state that continues, whereas the word いまだに is used to express surprise or frustration that something 'still' hasn't happened despite a long time passing.
Examples in context
- まだ内緒よ。Don't tell anyone yet.This sentence is useful for showing how to use まだ to mean 'yet'.Tatoeba #11241542 by small_snow, translation #5720596 by CK
- まだ歩けない。I can't walk yet.This sentence shows the use of まだ with a negative verb to mean 'yet'.Tatoeba #195391 by KK_kaku_, translation #10766915 by end
- 彼はまだ来ない。He hasn't come yet.This sentence demonstrates the use of まだ to indicate an event has not happened yet.Tatoeba #110803 by bunbuku, translation #283292 by CK
- まだ終わっていません。I haven't finished yet.
- まだ分かりません。I don't understand yet.
- 彼はまだ来ていません。He hasn't arrived yet.
- まだ準備ができていません。I'm not ready yet.
- まだやってない。I haven't done it yet.
- まだ行ってない。I haven't gone yet.
- まだ食べてへん。I haven't eaten yet.
- 480 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Youta and Yui are discussing a project that is not finished.
- 陽太 Yotaもう準備はできた？Mō junbi wa dekita?Are the preparations done already?
- 結衣 Yuiまだ終わっていないよ。Mada owatte inai yo.It is not finished yet.
- 陽太 Yotaあとどれくらいかかる？Ato dore kurai kakaru?How much longer will it take?
- 結衣 Yuiまだ時間がかかりそう。Mada jikan ga kakarisō.It looks like it will take more time yet.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry まだ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
