Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Still" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "still", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
依然
いぜん (izen)
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 依然 and 依然として.
In Japanese, 依然 (いぜん (izen)) is typically associated with "still, as before, as ever" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates that a situation or state continues unchanged despite expectations or the passage of time. Often used in formal contexts or writing, frequently with 「として」..
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 "依然"
状況は依然として厳しい。
The situation remains severe as ever.
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: "状況は ＿＿＿ として厳しい。" (Meaning: "The situation remains severe as ever.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "依然" fits here because it means "still, as before, as ever" in the context of: "The situation remains severe as ever.". "依然として" represents "still, as before, as ever".