Translation and Meaning of: 依然 - izen

If you've ever studied Japanese, you've probably come across the word still in texts or conversations. It has a simple meaning — "still" or "up to now" — but carries interesting nuances worth exploring. In this article, we will dive into the etymology, everyday use, and even tips to memorize this term effectively. Additionally, you will discover how it appears in practical sentences, perfect for adding to your Anki or other spaced repetition system.

What makes still 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 their daily lives might 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 unravel all of this clearly and directly, without beating around the bush.

Etymology and Origin of 依然

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

Interestingly, still it's not an ancient word, but its construction follows the classic 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 very likely that you have come across it.

Lies in Japanese Everyday Life

Unlike more colloquial terms such as Still, which also means "still", still carries a slightly 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 may find sentences like Issues still remain. ("The problem still persists").

Another interesting detail is that still often appears accompanied by particles such as as Please provide the text you'd like me to translate. while, reinforcing the idea of continuity. If you want to sound more natural using it, try constructions like Still unchanged ("still no changes") or still ("continuing as before"). These small nuances make all the difference in fluency.

Tips for Memorizing and Curiosities

An effective way to solidify still is to associate it with concrete situations. Imagine a scene where something doesn't change, like a stopped clock or a queue that isn't moving. Visualize the kanji. depend (depend) + Then (so) also helps: think of something that "continues to depend on the same state." This mental association technique can accelerate your learning.

How about a pun to remember? If you've heard the expression still, it almost sounds like music. Repeat it a few times aloud and try to create a funny sentence, like "There is a dog before, there is!" (playfully 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.