Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Still" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "still", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
いっそう
いっそう (issou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
依然として
いぜんとして (izen to shite)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "still" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between いっそう and 依然として.
In Japanese, いっそう (いっそう (issou)) is typically associated with "still more; even more; much more" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to emphasize an increase in degree, intensity, or extent. Similar to 'furthermore' or 'all the more'. 「もっと」「さらに」という意味で、程度が高まることを強調します。.
On the other hand, 依然として (いぜんとして (izen to shite)) maps to "still, as before, as ever" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An adverbial phrase, meaning that a situation or condition remains unchanged from a previous state, despite expectations or passage of time. Often used to emphasize continuity.. A literal translation of "still" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "いっそう"
練習すればするほど、いっそう上達するだろう。
The more you practice, the more you will improve.
Bilingual Context for "依然として"
状況は依然として改善されていない。
The situation has still not improved.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "練習すればするほど、 ＿＿＿ 上達するだろう。" (Meaning: "The more you practice, the more you will improve.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "いっそう" fits here because it means "still more; even more; much more" in the context of: "The more you practice, the more you will improve.". "依然として" represents "still, as before, as ever".