Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B2 adverb #3,500 más común 8 min de lectura

依然

izen Top 3,500

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 依然 en 30 segundos

Explicación 依然 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need to use 'izen'. It's a difficult word. Instead, you use 'mada'. For example, if you want to say 'It is still raining', you say 'Mada ame ga futte imasu'. 'Izen' is like the 'news reporter' version of 'mada'. Imagine you are watching TV and the reporter says, 'The situation is still dangerous'. That 'still' is 'izen'. You might see it in very simple news headlines, but for your own speaking, stick to 'mada'. Just remember: 'izen' = very formal 'still'. It's a word you read or hear, not one you usually say to your friends. It sounds very serious, like a doctor talking about a patient or a scientist talking about the weather. If you see 'izen' in a book, just think 'unchanged' or 'still the same'. It's important to recognize it because it appears in newspapers and formal announcements. Don't worry about using it in your own sentences yet; just try to notice it when you see it in the news or in formal writing. It's a step toward understanding professional Japanese.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the A2 level, you are starting to see more formal Japanese in textbooks and news clips. You might encounter 'izen' in the phrase 'izen to shite'. This is an adverbial phrase that means 'still' or 'as before'. While 'mada' is used for daily things like 'I'm still at home', 'izen' is used for bigger things like 'The price of gas is still high'. You will notice that 'izen' is often used when people are talking about problems. If something was supposed to get better but didn't, 'izen' is the word to use. For example, 'The problem is still not solved'. In Japanese, that would be 'Mondai wa izen to shite kaiketsu shite inai'. It sounds much more official than using 'mada'. You should start to recognize the kanji for 'izen' (依然). The first kanji means 'rely' or 'depend', and the second means 'as it is'. Together, they give the feeling of a state that is 'depending' on how it was before—meaning it hasn't changed. If you use it, people will think your Japanese is very polite and professional. But be careful: don't use it to talk about your hobbies or lunch. Use it for news, school reports, or serious topics.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

As a B1 learner, you should be able to distinguish between 'mada', 'aikawarazu', and 'izen'. 'Mada' is your basic 'still'. 'Aikawarazu' is 'as usual' and is used for people's habits or things that stay the same in a familiar way (like a friend who is 'as usual' late). 'Izen' is the objective, formal version. You will hear it constantly in news broadcasts, especially regarding the economy, weather, and social issues. For example, 'The number of accidents is still high' (Jiko no kazu wa izen to shite ooi). At this level, you should practice using 'izen to shite' in your writing, especially if you are writing an essay about a social problem or a business report. It shows that you can handle formal registers of Japanese. You should also be aware of its common collocations, such as 'izen to shite kibishii' (still harsh/severe) and 'izen fumei' (still unknown). When you see 'izen', look at the surrounding context—it's almost always a formal or professional setting. Also, make sure you don't confuse it with 'izen' (以前), which means 'previously'. The kanji are your best friend here. 依然 (still) vs 以前 (before). Practice writing both so you don't mix them up in your head.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the B2 level, '依然' (izen) is a key vocabulary item for achieving professional-level proficiency. You should understand that it carries a nuance of 'persistence despite expectation'. It is used when a situation remains unchanged even though time has passed or efforts have been made to change it. For example, if a company implements new safety measures but accidents continue, you would say 'Accidents are izen occurring'. This highlights the failure of the measures or the difficulty of the problem. You should be comfortable using '依然として' (izen to shite) in formal presentations or academic essays. It is also important to recognize the more literary '依然たる' (izen-taru), which functions as a pre-noun adjectival phrase. For example, '依然たる慣習' (a still-persisting custom). At this level, you should also be sensitive to the tone of 'izen'. It is cold and objective. If you use it to talk about a friend's personality, it might sound like you are analyzing them like a specimen, which could be taken as rude or distant. Use 'aikawarazu' for personal matters and 'izen' for objective reporting. Mastery of this word allows you to navigate Japanese news media and formal business environments with much greater ease and accuracy. You should also be able to explain the difference between 'izen' and other similar adverbs like 'ima nao' (even now), which is more emotional or poetic.

For C1 learners, '依然' is a tool for precision in high-level discourse. You should be able to use it to describe complex socio-economic states and academic observations. Beyond the standard '依然として', you should explore the nuance of '依然' in legal and bureaucratic contexts. It is often used in official government white papers to describe structural issues that refuse to yield to policy changes. For instance, the 'izen' persistence of the gender gap or regional disparities. You should also be able to appreciate its use in literature, where it can be used to create a sense of 'eternal recurrence' or a stubborn refusal of reality to change. In C1 level reading, you might encounter '依然' in philosophical texts discussing the 'unchanging nature' of human desire or social structures. You should also be aware of how '依然' can be used to set a scene in a narrative, providing a backdrop of stability against which other changes occur. For example, 'While the world outside was in chaos, the atmosphere in the room remained izen calm'. This contrastive use is a hallmark of advanced writing. Furthermore, you should be able to differentiate between '依然' and '依然として'—while they are often interchangeable, '依然' alone can sometimes feel more abrupt or emphatic in certain literary or poetic contexts. Your goal at this level is to use '依然' not just correctly, but with a sense of stylistic appropriateness.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C2 level, you should have a complete grasp of '依然' and its place within the historical and linguistic landscape of Japanese. This includes understanding its origin as a Sino-Japanese word (kango) and how its formal, objective tone is derived from its classical roots. You should be able to analyze the subtle differences between '依然' and its synonyms in highly nuanced contexts, such as the difference between '依然として解決していない' (still not solved - objective) and '未だに解決していない' (still not solved - carries a sense of 'it's about time it was'). You should also be familiar with the 'taru-adjective' form '依然たる' and its use in high-brow journalism and academic critiques of society. For example, '依然たる権威主義' (persisting authoritarianism). In your own output, whether it be a scholarly paper or a high-level business negotiation, you should use '依然' to project a sense of intellectual rigor and objectivity. You should also be able to identify when '依然' is being used ironically or for rhetorical effect in sophisticated prose. For instance, a writer might use '依然' to describe a situation that *should* have changed but hasn't, using the word's inherent objectivity to mock the lack of progress. At this level, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a brushstroke in the complex painting of formal Japanese communication, used to convey stability, stagnation, or the immutable nature of reality.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

依然 en 30 segundos

Izen (依然) is a formal Japanese adverb meaning 'still' or 'as before,' primarily used in news, business, and medical reporting to describe persistent states.
Unlike the casual 'mada,' it carries an objective and serious tone, often highlighting a lack of progress or a stubborn problem that refuses to change.
It is most commonly used in the phrase 'izen to shite' (依然として) and is never used in casual conversation or for simple daily actions.
Mastering 'izen' is essential for B2+ learners to understand formal Japanese media and to project a professional tone in writing and speech.

The Japanese word 依然 (いぜん - izen) is a sophisticated adverb that translates most directly to "still," "as yet," or "remaining in the same state as before." While English speakers might reach for the common word mada (まだ) in almost every situation involving continuity, izen occupies a much more formal and objective space in the Japanese language. It is primarily used to describe situations that have not changed despite the passage of time, significant efforts to intervene, or a general expectation of progress. When you use izen, you are often highlighting a sense of stagnation or the persistence of a particular condition, often one that is problematic or serious.

Formal Objective Observation: Used in news reporting to state that a suspect is still at large or a fire is still burning. It removes personal emotion and focuses on the factual lack of change.
Stagnation in Business: Used in economic reports to describe market conditions or sales figures that refuse to improve despite new strategies.

犯人の行方は依然として分かっていない。(The whereabouts of the culprit remain unknown.)

The nuance of izen often carries a weight of gravity. For example, in a medical context, saying a patient's condition is izen as it was suggests a critical stability—no improvement, but no decline either. It is frequently paired with the particle to shite (として) to form the phrase izen to shite, which functions as a reinforced adverbial phrase meaning "persistently" or "steadfastly remaining."

In terms of social register, you will rarely hear izen in a casual conversation between friends at a cafe. If a friend asks if you are still single, they would use mada. However, if a sociologist is writing a paper on the declining birthrate in Japan, they would use izen to describe how the trend remains unchanged despite government policies. This distinction is vital for B2 learners who are moving from communicative fluency to academic or professional proficiency. Understanding izen allows you to interpret the tone of Japanese media and formal documents, where the persistence of a state is often a key point of analysis.

景気は依然として低迷している。(The economy is still in a slump.)

Using 依然 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical placement and the specific phrases it commonly forms. Most frequently, you will see it as 依然として (izen to shite). This construction acts as an adverbial phrase that modifies the following verb or adjective. It is also possible to use it as a no-adjective (依然の) or a taru-adjective (依然たる), though these are more literary and rare in daily speech.

Standard Adverbial Use: [Subject] + [Particle] + 依然として + [Predicate]. Example: 物価は依然として高い (Prices are still high).
Modifying Nouns: 依然たる + [Noun]. This is used for describing a state that is fixed or unchanging. Example: 依然たる事実 (An unchanging fact).

One of the most important aspects of using izen is the context of expectation. You use izen when the speaker or the audience might have expected a change to occur. For instance, if a storm was predicted to pass by noon, but at 3 PM the rain is still heavy, a weather reporter might say, "Rain continues izen." It implies a comparison between the current moment and a previous point in time, emphasizing that the gap between then and now has resulted in no difference.

交渉は依然として難航している。(Negotiations are still experiencing difficulties.)

In writing, izen serves as a powerful transitional tool. It allows a writer to acknowledge that while other things may have changed, the core issue remains. For example: "The technology has advanced, but the ethical dilemmas izen remain." This creates a contrast that adds depth to academic writing. It is also worth noting that izen is often used with negative verbs (like shiranai, wakaranai) to emphasize a lack of information that persists over time.

周囲の状況は依然として不透明だ。(The surrounding situation remains unclear.)

To truly master 依然, you must look at the specific domains where it thrives. This is not a word of the streets; it is a word of the studio, the boardroom, and the laboratory. If you turn on the NHK 7 PM news, you will likely hear it within the first ten minutes. It is the go-to word for reporting on long-standing social issues, such as the gender pay gap, the shortage of childcare facilities, or the state of international conflicts.

News Media: "The search for the missing vessel is izen continuing in difficult conditions."
Medical Reports: "The patient's consciousness is izen not recovered."
Economic Analysis: "Consumer spending izen shows no signs of recovery."

In Japanese literature and high-level essays, izen is used to evoke a sense of timelessness or the stubborn nature of human reality. A novelist might use it to describe an old house that remains izen as it was fifty years ago, despite the modernization of the surrounding city. Here, it adds a layer of nostalgia or perhaps a sense of eerie preservation. In business meetings, a manager might use izen to soberly address a problem that the team has been trying to solve for months, indicating that their current efforts are not yet sufficient.

その古い建物は、時代の波に洗われながらも依然としてその威厳を保っている。(That old building, while washed by the waves of time, still maintains its dignity.)

Finally, izen appears in legal documents and official statements. When a government official states that their position on a certain policy is izen unchanged, they are using the word to project stability and consistency. It is a word that commands respect and indicates that the speaker is being precise and deliberate with their language. For a learner, hearing izen is a signal to pay close attention, as the information following it usually concerns a significant and persistent state of affairs.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with 依然 is confusing it with the much more common adverb mada (まだ). While both can be translated as "still," their usage is not interchangeable. Mada is versatile and can be used for everyday actions ("I'm still eating," "It's still raining"). Izen, however, is reserved for more formal, objective, or serious contexts. Using izen in a casual conversation about your lunch would sound incredibly strange and overly dramatic, almost like you are delivering a news report about your sandwich.

Mistake: Over-casual Usage: Incorrect: 依然としてお腹が空いている (I am still hungry - sounds like a medical report). Correct: まだお腹が空いている。
Mistake: Confusion with 'Izen' (以前): The word 以前 (izen) means "before" or "previously." Although they sound the same, the kanji and meanings are entirely different. 依然 (still) vs 以前 (before).

Another common error is the incorrect use of the particle to shite. While izen can stand alone as an adverb, it is much more natural as 依然として. Some learners forget the shite or try to use other particles like ni or de, which are grammatically incorrect in this context. Furthermore, izen is almost always used to describe a state (joutai) rather than a continuous action (dousa). You wouldn't use it to say someone is "still running" a race in a sports context; you would use it to say the "gap between the runners is still large."

Incorrect: 依然として走っている (Still running - sounds like a robot).
Correct: 依然としてトップを走っている (Still running in the lead - acceptable in a formal report).

Finally, be careful with the emotional nuance. Izen is objective. If you want to express that something is still the same and it's annoying or comforting, you might use aikawarazu (相変わらず). Izen is like a thermometer; it just tells you the temperature hasn't changed. It doesn't tell you if the speaker is happy about it. Using izen when you should use aikawarazu makes you sound detached and robotic.

Japanese has several ways to say "still" or "unchanged," and choosing the right one is key to sounding natural. 依然 is just one piece of the puzzle. Let's compare it with its closest relatives to see where each shines.

依然 (Izen) vs. まだ (Mada): Izen: Formal, objective, used for persistent states or problems.
Mada: Casual, versatile, used for actions and states in daily life.
依然 (Izen) vs. 相変わらず (Aikawarazu): Izen: Objective, often used for serious or negative situations.
Aikawarazu: Subjective, used for habits, personality traits, or familiar situations. Often translated as "as usual."
依然 (Izen) vs. 今なお (Ima nao): Izen: Focuses on the lack of change from a previous state.
Ima nao: More poetic or emphatic, focusing on the fact that something continues even into the present moment (often used for traditions or long-standing feelings).

Another alternative is hikitsuzuki (引き続き), which means "continuously" or "in succession." While izen emphasizes that nothing has changed, hikitsuzuki emphasizes the ongoing nature of an action. For example, a company might say they will "continue (hikitsuzuki) to monitor the situation," whereas a reporter would say the situation "remains (izen) unstable."

彼は相変わらず元気そうだ。(He seems as energetic as ever - subjective/personal.)
病状は依然として深刻だ。(The condition is still serious - objective/formal.)

Finally, for very formal writing, you might encounter izen-taru (依然たる). This is a literary form that functions like an adjective. For example, izen-taru habatsu-seiji (the still-persisting factional politics). This form is quite rare and mostly found in political commentary or classic literature. For most B2 learners, mastering 依然として is the highest priority, as it covers 90% of the word's usage cases.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The character '然' (zen) originally depicted meat being burned over a fire, which came to mean 'to burn' (now written as 燃), but it was later borrowed to mean 'so' or 'as it is'.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /i.zeɴ/

US /i.zeɴ/

Japanese does not have stress accent like English; it uses pitch accent. Izen generally has a low-high-high (LHH) or low-high-low (LHL) pitch depending on the dialect, but in standard Tokyo Japanese, it is often flat after the initial rise.

Rima con

自然 (shizen - nature) 当然 (tōzen - naturally) 偶然 (gūzen - coincidence) 突然 (totsuzen - suddenly) 依然 (izen - still) 断然 (danzen - firmly) 平然 (heizen - calm) 漫然 (manzen - aimlessly)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'zen' like 'zayn' (it should be a short 'e').
Confusing the pitch with 'izen' (以前 - before).
Over-emphasizing the 'n' sound at the end.
Making the 'i' too long like 'eeeee-zen'.
Using an English 'r' sound if they misread the kanji.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 4/5

The kanji are relatively common but the word is found in high-level texts.

Escritura 5/5

Requires understanding of formal register and the 'to shite' construction.

Expresión oral 6/5

Difficult to use naturally without sounding overly formal or robotic.

Escucha 3/5

Common in news; easy to recognize once the sound is learned.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

まだ (mada) 以前 (izen - before) 状態 (jōtai) 変化 (henka) 続く (tsuzuku)

Aprende después

依然として (izen to shite) 旧態依然 (kyūtai-izen) 依然たる (izen-taru) 依然として予断を許さない (idiom) 不透明 (futōmei)

Avanzado

依然として平行線 (negotiation) 依然として猛威を振るう (disaster) 依然として根強い (social issues) 依然として混迷 (politics) 依然として払拭できない (psychology)

Gramática que debes saber

Adverbial formation with 'to shite'

依然として (izen to shite) - functions as a strong adverb.

Taru-adjective usage

依然たる (izen-taru) + Noun - literary way to describe a persistent state.

Negative state continuity

依然として + Negative Verb (依然として見つからない - still not found).

State-maintaining 'mama'

依然として〜のままだ (remains in the state of...).

Use 'izen' with formal endings like 'desu/masu' or 'de aru'.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

ニュースで「依然」という言葉を聞きました。

I heard the word 'izen' on the news.

Simple subject + particle + object + verb.

依然、雨が降っています。

It is still raining (formal).

Adverbial use of izen.

道は依然として暗いです。

The road is still dark.

Using 'izen to shite' with an adjective.

お店は依然として閉まっています。

The shop is still closed.

Using 'izen to shite' with a verb in te-form.

依然として、彼は来ません。

Still, he doesn't come.

Adverbial phrase at the start of a sentence.

テストの結果は依然として分かりません。

The test results are still unknown.

Negative verb phrase.

依然として、外は寒いです。

It is still cold outside.

Focusing on a persistent state.

依然として、バスが来ません。

The bus is still not coming.

Describing a delayed situation.

物価は依然として高いままです。

Prices remain high as before.

Using 'mama' to emphasize the state.

彼の病状は依然として良くなりません。

His medical condition is still not improving.

Formal medical context.

犯人は依然として逃走中です。

The culprit is still on the run.

Typical news reporting phrase.

依然として、多くの問題が残っています。

Still, many problems remain.

Focusing on remaining issues.

この地域は依然として電気が通りません。

This area still has no electricity.

Describing a persistent infrastructure failure.

依然として、彼からの連絡はありません。

There is still no word from him.

Lack of communication over time.

その場所は依然として立ち入り禁止です。

That place is still off-limits.

Persistent regulation or rule.

依然として、外は雪が降り続いています。

It still continues to snow outside.

Continuous action in a formal tone.

政府の対策にもかかわらず、失業率は依然として高い。

Despite government measures, the unemployment rate remains high.

Contrastive structure using 'ni mo kakawarazu'.

事故の原因は依然として調査中である。

The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Formal 'de aru' ending.

二国間の緊張状態は依然として続いている。

The state of tension between the two countries still continues.

Abstract state of 'tension'.

依然として、男女の賃金格差は解消されていない。

The gender wage gap has still not been eliminated.

Social issue context.

その古い習慣は、この村に依然として残っている。

That old custom still remains in this village.

Describing persistent traditions.

依然として、彼らの意見は対立したままだ。

Their opinions remain in conflict.

Conflict that hasn't changed.

新型ウイルスの影響は依然として深刻だ。

The impact of the new virus is still serious.

Serious social/medical impact.

依然として、多くの謎が解明されていない。

Many mysteries still remain unsolved.

Academic/historical mystery.

景気回復の兆しは見えず、消費は依然として低迷している。

There are no signs of economic recovery, and consumption remains stagnant.

Economic report terminology.

捜索活動は難航しており、行方不明者は依然として発見されていない。

Search efforts are struggling, and the missing person has still not been found.

Reporting on a difficult situation.

依然として不透明な世界情勢の中で、我々は慎重な判断を求められている。

In an world situation that remains opaque, we are required to make cautious judgments.

Complex sentence with 'no naka de'.

その技術は進歩したが、根本的な問題は依然として解決を見ていない。

The technology has advanced, but the fundamental problem has still not seen a solution.

Contrast between progress and stagnation.

依然として厳しい寒さが続く中、被災地での支援活動が行われている。

While the severe cold still continues, support activities are being carried out in the disaster area.

Describing harsh environmental conditions.

依然として高い支持率を背景に、首相は新たな政策を打ち出した。

Against the backdrop of a still-high approval rating, the Prime Minister launched a new policy.

Political reporting.

依然として、その計画の詳細は明らかにされていない。

The details of that plan have still not been made clear.

Describing a lack of transparency.

若者の流出により、地方の過疎化は依然として進行している。

Due to the outflow of young people, the depopulation of rural areas is still progressing.

Sociological analysis.

近代化が進む一方で、封建的な価値観が依然として根強く残っている。

While modernization progresses, feudal values still remain deeply rooted.

Contrast between social progress and underlying values.

依然として予断を許さない状況が続いており、一刻の猶予もならない。

A situation that remains unpredictable continues, and there is not a moment to lose.

Idiomatic expression 'yodan o yurusanai'.

依然たる格差社会の現実を前に、我々は何をなすべきか。

Faced with the reality of an unchangingly unequal society, what should we do?

Literary use of 'izen-taru'.

その作家の文体は、デビュー当時から依然として変わらぬ魅力を放っている。

The author's style has exuded an unchanging charm since their debut.

Positive use of izen in a literary critique.

依然として混迷を極める政治情勢に、国民の不満は高まっている。

Public dissatisfaction is rising due to the political situation, which remains extremely chaotic.

Describing extreme confusion.

科学の進歩をもってしても、死の謎は依然としてベールに包まれている。

Even with the progress of science, the mystery of death remains shrouded in a veil.

Philosophical/scientific mystery.

依然としてその地位を不動のものとしている彼は、業界の重鎮だ。

He, whose position remains immovable, is a titan of the industry.

Describing a stable, powerful status.

依然として、我々の前には多くの困難が立ちはだかっている。

Many difficulties still stand in our way.

Metaphorical use of 'stand in the way'.

宇宙の膨張速度については、依然として諸説紛々であり、定説はない。

Regarding the expansion rate of the universe, various theories are still in conflict, and there is no established theory.

High-level scientific discourse.

依然たる旧態依然とした組織体制が、企業の成長を阻害している。

The still-persisting, old-fashioned organizational structure is hindering the growth of the company.

Using 'izen' and 'kyūtai-izen' (stagnation) together.

その法案の是非をめぐっては、依然として侃々諤々の議論が交わされている。

Regarding the pros and cons of that bill, heated and outspoken arguments are still being exchanged.

Using the idiom 'kankan-gakugaku'.

依然として払拭しきれない不安を抱えつつも、彼は新たな一歩を踏み出した。

While harboring anxieties that he still could not completely shake off, he took a new step forward.

Describing psychological persistence.

依然としてその全貌を現さない巨大プロジェクトに、世間の注目が集まっている。

Public attention is focused on the giant project, the full scope of which has still not been revealed.

Mysterious or large-scale reporting.

依然として、人間の本質は太古の昔から何ら変わっていないのかもしれない。

Perhaps the essence of human beings has not changed at all since ancient times.

Philosophical speculation.

依然として、その詩篇には解釈の余地が多分に残されている。

In those psalms, there still remains plenty of room for interpretation.

Literary analysis.

依然として、その真理は我々の理解の及ばぬところにある。

That truth still lies beyond the reach of our understanding.

Abstract philosophical statement.

Sinónimos

相変わらずなお今だに従来通り

Antónimos

一変急変

Colocaciones comunes

依然として厳しい

依然として多い

依然として不明

依然として解決しない

依然として続く

依然として低い

依然として不透明

依然として困難

依然として深刻

依然として高い

Frases Comunes

旧態依然

— Remaining in an old, outdated state without progress.

旧態依然としたやり方。

依然として変わらない

— Emphasizing that absolutely nothing has changed.

彼の態度は依然として変わらない。

依然として予断を許さない

— The situation is still unpredictable and serious.

病状は依然として予断を許さない。

依然として猛威を振るう

— Something (like a storm or virus) is still raging.

台風は依然として猛威を振るっている。

依然として根強い

— Something (like a belief or habit) is still deeply rooted.

反対の声は依然として根強い。

依然として平行線

— Negotiations are still not reaching an agreement.

議論は依然として平行線のままだ。

依然として難航

— A process is still facing great difficulties.

捜索は依然として難航している。

依然として不透明

— The future or a situation remains unclear.

経済の先行きは依然として不透明だ。

依然としてトップ

— Still remaining in the number one position.

彼は依然としてトップの成績だ。

依然として有効

— Something (like a rule or ticket) is still valid.

その契約は依然として有効だ。

Se confunde a menudo con

依然 vs 以前 (izen)

Sounds exactly the same but means 'before' or 'previously'. Check the kanji: 依然 (still) vs 以前 (before).

依然 vs 依然 (izen) vs まだ (mada)

Izen is formal and objective; mada is casual and general.

依然 vs 依然 (izen) vs 相変わらず (aikawarazu)

Izen is for facts/problems; aikawarazu is for habits/familiarity.

Modismos y expresiones

"旧態依然"

— Stuck in old ways; failing to modernize or improve.

旧態依然とした体質を改善する。

Formal/Criticism

"依然として予断を許さない"

— A situation so critical that no prediction can be made.

病状は依然として予断を許さない状況だ。

Formal/Medical/News

"依然として平行線をたどる"

— To remain in disagreement with no prospect of compromise.

両者の主張は依然として平行線をたどっている。

Formal/Business

"依然として霧の中"

— Remaining in a state of total confusion or lack of clarity.

事件の真相は依然として霧の中だ。

Literary/Journalistic

"依然として暗雲が立ち込める"

— A situation that remains threatening or gloomy.

経済には依然として暗雲が立ち込めている。

Literary/Metaphorical

"依然として出口が見えない"

— Remaining in a difficult situation with no end in sight.

不況の出口は依然として見えない。

Economic/Formal

"依然として鳴かず飛ばず"

— Remaining obscure or unsuccessful (often used for careers).

彼は依然として鳴かず飛ばずの状態だ。

Idiomatic/Casual-Formal

"依然として鉄壁の守り"

— Remaining in an impregnable state of defense.

その城は依然として鉄壁の守りを誇っている。

Literary/Sports

"依然として闇に包まれる"

— Remaining hidden or secret.

その計画は依然として闇に包まれている。

Journalistic

"依然として氷河期"

— Remaining in a very difficult period (like a job market).

就職状況は依然として氷河期だ。

Social/Metaphorical

Fácil de confundir

依然 vs 依然 (izen)

Homophone with 以前 (izen).

依然 means 'still/unchanged' (state persistence). 以前 means 'before' (point in time).

依然として高い (still high) vs 以前は高かった (was high before).

依然 vs 未だに (imadani)

Both mean 'still'.

未だに often has a critical or negative nuance ('still not... even now!'). 依然 is more objective.

未だに分からない (still don't know - critical) vs 依然として不明だ (still unknown - objective).

依然 vs ずっと (zutto)

Both relate to continuity.

ずっと means 'continuously/all along'. 依然 means 'unchanged from before'.

ずっと待っている (waiting all along) vs 依然として待っている (still waiting - hasn't changed).

依然 vs 相変わらず (aikawarazu)

Both mean 'as before'.

相変わらず is used for people's habits or expected states. 依然 is for formal reporting of facts.

相変わらず元気だね (as usual, you're energetic) vs 依然として深刻だ (still serious).

依然 vs 依然たる (izen-taru)

Grammatical variation.

依然たる is a literary adjective modifying a noun. 依然として is the standard adverb.

依然たる勢力 (still-persisting power).

Patrones de oraciones

[Subject] は依然として [Adjective] です。

物価は依然として高いです。

[Subject] は依然として [Verb-te] います。

雨は依然として降っています。

[Subject] は依然として [Negative Verb]。

犯人は依然として捕まっていません。

依然として [Adjective] な状況が続いている。

依然として厳しい状況が続いている。

依然として [Noun] のままである。

事態は依然として不透明のままである。

依然として [Phrase] という事実がある。

依然として格差が存在するという事実がある。

依然たる [Noun] を前にして...

依然たる格差を前にして、我々は無力だ。

依然として [Idiom] である。

病状は依然として予断を許さない。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

旧態依然 (kyūtai-izen) - the state of being stuck in old ways.

Adjetivos

依然たる (izen-taru) - still-existing, persistent (literary).

Relacionado

依拠 (ikyō) - dependence.

依然性 (izensei) - the quality of being persistent (rare).

依存 (izon) - dependence.

然るべき (shikarubeki) - appropriate.

全然 (zenzen) - not at all.

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in news, business, and academic writing; rare in casual speech.

Errores comunes

Using 'izen' in casual conversation with friends. → Use 'mada' (まだ) instead.
'Izen' is too formal for casual chat. It's like using the word 'notwithstanding' while ordering a pizza.
Mixing up 依然 (izen - still) and 以前 (izen - before). → Check the kanji and context.
This is a very common homophone error. 依然 relates to the present state; 以前 relates to the past.
Using 'izen' for continuous physical actions. → Use 'mada' or 'zutto'.
'Izen' is for states or conditions (like 'the road is still closed'), not simple actions (like 'I'm still running').
Forgetting 'to shite' in adverbial usage. → Use '依然として'.
While '依然' can be used alone, '依然として' is the standard and more natural adverbial form.
Using 'izen' for positive personal traits in a friendly way. → Use 'aikawarazu'.
Saying 'You are izen beautiful' sounds like a medical report. 'Aikawarazu' sounds like a compliment.

Consejos

Save it for the Office

Use 'izen' in business reports or formal emails to describe ongoing projects or persistent issues. It makes you sound much more professional than using 'mada'.

Always use 'to shite'

If you aren't sure, use '依然として'. It's the safest and most natural way to use the word as an adverb.

Watch the Radical

Don't confuse 依然 with 以前. 依然 has the 'person' radical (亻) because it's about a state (often involving people's actions). 以前 has the 'by means of' radical (以).

Objective vs Subjective

Use 'izen' for facts (The population is still decreasing). Use 'aikawarazu' for opinions or habits (He is as usual late).

Academic Precision

In essays, '依然' is great for highlighting that a theory still holds up or a problem still exists despite many studies.

News Trigger

When you hear 'izen', get ready for a status update on a serious situation. It's a key word for understanding the flow of a news report.

Avoid for Daily Chores

Never say '依然として皿を洗っています' (I'm still washing dishes). It sounds like you're reporting on a national dish-washing crisis.

Global Issues

'Izen' is perfect for discussing global warming, the economy, or international relations.

I am Zen

Remember: 'I' am 'Zen' (calm/still) despite the world changing. I am 依然 (izen).

Pair it with Negative Verbs

A very common pattern is '依然として〜ない' (still not...). Practice this to sound more natural.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'I' (me) and 'Zen' (calm). Even when everything changes, 'I' am still 'Zen' (calm). I remain in the same state.

Asociación visual

Imagine a large rock in the middle of a rushing river. The water moves and changes, but the rock is 'izen'—it remains exactly where it was, unchanged.

Word Web

Still Unchanged Formal News Problem Stagnation Objective Persistent

Desafío

Try to find one news article today on NHK News Web that uses '依然'. Copy the sentence and identify what state is being described as unchanged.

Origen de la palabra

Borrowed from Middle Chinese. The first character '依' (i) means 'to depend on' or 'to follow'. The second character '然' (zen) is a suffix meaning 'in such a manner' or 'so'. Together, they literally mean 'following how it was' or 'in the manner it has been'.

Significado original: Remaining as it was; unchanged from the previous state.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexto cultural

Be careful using 'izen' about a person's negative traits (like being poor or sick) as its formal/objective tone can sound cold or unsympathetic.

English speakers often use 'still' for both casual and formal contexts. They must learn to 'upgrade' their vocabulary to 'izen' when speaking professionally in Japanese.

Natsume Soseki's novels often use 'izen' to describe the persistent psychological states of his characters. NHK News: The phrase '犯人は依然として逃走中' is a classic trope of Japanese crime reporting. Economic White Papers: Regularly use 'izen' to discuss the 'deflationary mindset' of the Japanese public.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

News Reporting

依然として不明です (Still unknown)
依然として逃走中です (Still on the run)
依然として続いています (Still continuing)
依然として警戒が必要です (Caution is still needed)

Business Meetings

依然として課題が残っています (Challenges still remain)
依然として厳しい状況です (The situation is still harsh)
依然として売上が伸びません (Sales are still not growing)
依然として不透明です (It remains unclear)

Medical Context

依然として意識がありません (Still unconscious)
依然として予断を許しません (Still unpredictable/critical)
依然として安定しています (Still stable)
依然として熱が下がりません (Fever is still not going down)

Academic Writing

依然として解決されていません (Still not resolved)
依然として議論が続いています (Debate is still continuing)
依然としてその影響は見られます (The influence is still seen)
依然として重要な課題です (Still an important issue)

Weather Reports

依然として強い勢力です (Still a strong force)
依然として雪が降っています (It is still snowing)
依然として波が高いです (Waves are still high)
依然として低温注意報が出ています (Low temperature warning is still out)

Inicios de conversación

"最近、物価が依然として高いままですが、生活に影響はありますか？ (Prices are still high; is it affecting your life?)"

"あの事件の犯人は依然として捕まっていないそうですね。 (I heard the culprit of that case still hasn't been caught.)"

"景気は依然として良くないと言われていますが、どう思われますか？ (They say the economy is still not good; what do you think?)"

"プロジェクトの課題は依然として解決していませんが、次の会議で話し合いましょう。 (The project's challenges remain unresolved; let's discuss them at the next meeting.)"

"依然として不透明な状況が続いていますが、準備はできていますか？ (The situation remains unclear; are you prepared?)"

Temas para diario

自分の人生の中で、依然として変わっていないことは何ですか？ (What in your life remains unchanged?)

社会問題の中で、依然として解決されていないと思うことは何ですか？ (What social issue do you think remains unresolved?)

努力しているのに、依然として結果が出ないことはありますか？ (Is there something you're trying for, but still not seeing results?)

依然として大切にしている古い習慣や思い出について書いてください。 (Write about an old habit or memory you still cherish.)

10年後の自分も、依然として同じ夢を追いかけていると思いますか？ (Do you think your 10-year-future self will still be chasing the same dream?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, that would sound very strange. Use 'mada' for daily actions like eating, sleeping, or working. 'Izen' is for objective states, like 'The number of people eating out is still low'.

Not always, but it is very common in negative contexts (problems, accidents, stagnation). However, it can be used positively in formal contexts, like 'The support for the plan is still (依然) high'.

'Izen to shite' is the complete adverbial phrase and is much more common and natural in modern Japanese. 'Izen' alone is slightly more abrupt and often found in headlines.

The first kanji 依 (i) has the 'person' radical on the left and 'clothes' (衣) on the right, meaning to 'rely' on someone's clothes (or person). The second 然 (zen) is common in words like 'shizen' (nature). Think of a person 'relying' on 'nature' to stay the same.

Yes, but usually by characters who are serious, like military commanders, scientists, or villains explaining why their plan is still working. It's not common in 'slice-of-life' anime dialogue.

Yes! It sounds very professional. You might say '依然として課題はありますが...' (There are still challenges, but...) to show you have an objective view of a situation.

It is generally considered a B2 level word because it requires an understanding of formal registers and the nuance of objective reporting.

Yes, they share the 'zen' (然) kanji. 'Shizen' means 'self-thus' (nature), and 'izen' means 'rely-thus' (still/as before).

Yes, in formal writing. 'その美しさは依然として色あせない' (That beauty still hasn't faded). It sounds very elegant and literary.

Because it is precise, objective, and formal. It allows them to state that a situation hasn't changed without adding personal opinion or emotion.

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas