还没

You can use it as a standalone answer. If a friend asks if you ate, just say 还没. You can also put it before a verb. For example, 我还没看 means 'I haven't watched it yet.' It often pairs with 呢 at the end. Adding 呢 makes you sound softer and more natural. It is like adding a musical note to your sentence.

Use it when the waiter asks if you are finished. Use it when your boss asks for that spreadsheet. It is perfect for texting friends about your arrival. If you are at a movie theater and the film hasn't started, 还没 is your best friend. It works in almost every daily scenario you can imagine.

Don't use it for things that will never happen. If you don't plan to do something, use 不. For example, if you hate spicy food, don't say 还没. That makes people think you are just waiting to try it. Also, avoid it for permanent states. You wouldn't say you are 'not yet' tall. That sounds like you are waiting for a growth spurt!

In Chinese culture, being direct can sometimes feel a bit harsh. 还没 is a polite buffer. It suggests you are working on it or getting there. It shows a sense of continuity. It reflects the Chinese focus on the process rather than just the result. It is a very patient way to speak.

You will often hear 还没有. This is just the longer, slightly more emphatic version. In the south, people might say it with a softer tone. In the north, it might sound quicker and punchier. You might also hear 还没呢, which is the most common way to end a casual conversation. It feels friendly and complete.