仍然

§ What 仍然 Means and When to Use It

Let's talk about 仍然 (réngrán). It's an A2-level Chinese adverb that you'll hear and use a lot. Simply put, 仍然 means 'still,' 'yet,' or 'as before.' It's used to indicate that a situation or action continues to be the same, despite something else happening or being expected. Think of it as conveying persistence or an unchanged state.

DEFINITION

仍然 (réngrán) is an adverb that indicates a continuation of a state, condition, or action. It highlights that something remains unchanged from a previous point in time, often despite expectations or changes in other aspects.

You'll typically use 仍然 when you want to emphasize that something is ongoing or has not changed. It can be used in various contexts, from describing weather to someone's feelings, or the status of a task. It often implies a slight contrast – for example, 'even though X happened, Y is 仍然 the same.'

Let's look at some common scenarios where 仍然 fits perfectly:

• Describing continuous states: If something is still happening or is in the same condition.
• Expressing persistence: When an action or state continues despite difficulties or the passage of time.
• Highlighting an unchanged situation: To show that a circumstance has not altered.

Here’s a basic example to get you started:

Translation hint: He is still working here.

In this sentence, 仍然 tells us that his working location hasn't changed. It's a straightforward use of the word.

Consider another common scenario: talking about the weather.

Translation hint: It's still very cold outside.

Here, 仍然 indicates that the cold weather persists. It might have been cold yesterday, and it's cold today too. The state of being cold hasn't changed.

It's important to note that 仍然 usually comes before the verb or adjective it modifies. Its position is quite fixed as an adverb. It does not go at the end of a sentence.

Let's dive into some more examples to solidify your understanding. Imagine you're waiting for someone, and they haven't arrived yet.

Translation hint: He still hasn't come.

In this case, 仍然 emphasizes the continued absence. Even though time has passed and you might expect them to arrive, their state of 'not coming' persists.

Another use case is when discussing emotions or feelings that remain constant.

Translation hint: I still like you very much.

Here, 仍然 stresses that the feeling of liking someone hasn't changed over time. It's a sentiment that continues as before.

You might also see 仍然 in more formal writing or speeches, but its core meaning remains the same. It's a versatile word that helps you express continuity clearly. Focus on understanding the 'still' or 'as before' aspect, and you'll use it correctly.

§ Where you actually hear this word — work, school, news

Alright, let's talk about 仍然 (réngrán). This isn't just a textbook word; you're going to hear it all over the place in real-life Chinese. It basically means 'still' or 'as before'. Think about situations where something continues, despite something else happening or a passage of time. That's where 仍然 comes in handy.

In the workplace, 仍然 pops up a lot when discussing project statuses, ongoing tasks, or even company policies. It's about continuity. For instance, if a problem hasn't been resolved, or a task is still pending, 仍然 is your word.

This translates to: This problem has still not been resolved.

Meaning: Our company still practices remote work.

At school, you'll hear 仍然 quite a bit too. Maybe a student is still struggling with a concept, or a teacher is still waiting for assignments. It's all about something continuing in its current state.

Translation: Although he tried very hard, his Chinese grades have still not improved.

This means: The teacher is still waiting for the students' assignments.

When you're reading the news or listening to reports, 仍然 is a staple. It's used to describe ongoing situations, persistent problems, or conditions that haven't changed. This is where its 'as before' meaning really shines. Think about weather reports, economic news, or political commentary.

Translated: The temperature in this region is still very low.

This means: After the pandemic ended, many people still choose to wear masks.

Remember:

仍然 (réngrán) emphasizes that a state or action continues without change. It's about something persisting. Don't overthink it; just connect it to the idea of 'still' or 'as before' in your head, and you'll get it right most of the time.

So, whether you're talking about work projects, school grades, or news headlines, 仍然 is a word you'll encounter constantly. Pay attention to how native speakers use it, and you'll quickly pick up its nuances. It's a foundational word for expressing continuity in Chinese.