Translation and Meaning of: 依然 - izen

If you have studied Japanese, you have probably come across the word 依然 [いぜん] in texts or conversations. It has a simple meaning — "still" or "so far" — but carries interesting nuances worth exploring. In this article, we will dive into the etymology, everyday usage, and even tips for memorizing this term effectively. Additionally, you will discover how it appears in practical sentences, perfect for adding to your Anki or another spaced repetition system.

What makes 依然 special? Well, it is not just another word for "still". Its kanji reveals a story behind its meaning, and the way the Japanese use it in daily life may surprise you. If you have ever wondered why it is written this way or how to differentiate it from other similar terms, keep reading. Here, we will unveil all of that in a clear and direct manner, without any fluff.

Etymology and Origin of 依然

The kanji 依 (い) means "to depend" or "to trust," while 然 (ぜん) can be translated as "thus" or "in that way." Together, they form the idea of something that "continues in the same way," maintaining its original state. This combination well reflects the meaning of "still" or "up to now," as it suggests a persistence over time without changes.

Interestingly, 依然 is not an old word, but its construction follows the classical logic of kanji compounds. It frequently appears in formal and written contexts, although it is also used in spoken language, especially in situations that require a more polished tone. If you have ever read a newspaper article or an official document in Japanese, it is quite likely that you have come across it.

Lies in Japanese Everyday Life

Unlike more colloquial terms like まだ, which also means "still," 依然 carries a somewhat more serious weight. It is often used to describe situations that persist, especially when there is an expectation of change. For example, in news about the economy or politics, you might find phrases like 依然として問題が残っています ("The problem still persists").

Another interesting detail is that 依然 often appears accompanied by particles like として or ながら, reinforcing the idea of continuity. If you want to sound more natural when using it, try constructions like 依然変わらず ("still unchanged") or 依然として ("continuing as before"). These small nuances make all the difference in fluency.

Tips for Memorizing and Curiosities

An effective way to memorize 依然 is to associate it with concrete situations. Imagine a scene where something doesn't change, like a stopped clock or a queue that doesn't move. Visualizing the kanji 依 (depend) + 然 (thus) also helps: think of something that "continues to depend on the same state." This mental association technique can speed up your learning.

How about a pun to remember? If you've heard the expression いぜんとして, it almost sounds like a song. Repeat it out loud a few times and try to create a funny sentence, like "いぜん、いぜん、犬がいるぜん！" (playing with the sound of "there's still a dog!"). It may seem silly, but these little mental tricks work when it comes to memorizing vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

依然 (いぜん) - Still, unchanged
未だに (いまだに) - Still, emphasizing that something persists to the present.
まだまだ (まだまだ) - Still, hinting that there is more or that something is not complete.