还没做

Using this phrase is easier than ordering bubble tea on an app. The structure is almost always Subject + 还没做. You can put the object of the sentence either after the phrase or right at the beginning for emphasis. For example, 我还没做作业 (I haven't done my homework yet). Or, if you want to sound a bit more dramatic about the homework, 作业我还没做. The word 还 (hái) is the star here. It means 'still.' Without it, 没做 just sounds like a blunt 'didn't do.' The 还 adds that tiny bit of hope that you aren't just lazy. It suggests that the situation is temporary. Just remember: don't use this for things you never intend to do. That would be lying, and your Chinese teacher has a sixth sense for that.

You’ll hear this constantly in group chats and office hallways.

Speaker: 午饭你做了吗？ (Did you make lunch?)

You: 还没做，正准备去呢。 (Haven't done it yet, just about to go.)

It’s also perfect for those awkward moments on Zoom.

Speaker: 你打开摄像头了吗？ (Did you turn on your camera?)

You: 还没做，我在找按钮。 (Haven't done it yet, I'm looking for the button.)

In the world of social media, you might see it in a caption.

今天的健身还没做，想偷懒。 (Haven't done today's workout yet, I want to be lazy.)

It’s short, punchy, and fits perfectly into a text message. It’s the universal answer for any 'did you' question that currently has a 'no' answer.

Use this phrase whenever there is an expectation of completion. If you are a student, use it for assignments. If you are working, use it for reports and emails. It’s perfect for daily chores like laundry, dishes, or walking the dog. It’s also great for personal goals, like reading a book or watching that Netflix series everyone is talking about. Basically, if it’s on a to-do list, 还没做 is its natural enemy. It’s neutral enough for your boss but casual enough for your best friend. It’s the 'safe' answer when you're caught procrastinating. Just don't use it as an excuse for why you haven't texted your crush back for three days. That requires a much longer explanation!

Don't use 还没做 for things that aren't 'actions' you perform. For example, you wouldn't say 还没做 to mean you haven't eaten or haven't arrived. For eating, you say 还没吃. For arriving, you say 还没到. It specifically refers to the verb 做 (to do/make). Also, avoid using it for things you have no intention of ever doing. If someone asks if you've committed a crime, don't say 还没做. That implies you're planning it for next Tuesday! In that case, a firm 没有 (méiyǒu) or 我不做这种事 (I don't do that kind of thing) is much safer. Use it for tasks, not for moral stances or general states of being.

The most common face-palm moment for learners is using 不 (bù) instead of 没 (méi).

If you say 不做, it sounds like you are refusing to do it. It’s a choice. If you say 还没做, it’s just a fact of timing. Unless you want to start a fight with your parents, stick with 没. Another mistake is forgetting the 还.

✗ 我没做作业。

While technically correct, it sounds a bit cold and finished. It’s like saying 'I didn't do it' and I don't care. The 还 makes you sound like a responsible human who just happened to get distracted by cat videos for three hours. Always include the 还 to keep the vibes positive.

If you want to vary your vocabulary, you can use 还没完成 (hái méi wán chéng). This is more formal and means 'not yet completed.' It’s great for business reports or construction projects. Another one is 还没开始 (hái méi kāi shǐ), which means 'haven't started yet.' Use this when you haven't even opened the file or touched the dishes. If you want to sound a bit more casual, you can just say 还没呢 (hái méi ne). The 呢 adds a soft, conversational tone. It's like saying 'Not yet!' with a shrug. All these expressions live in the same neighborhood, but 还没做 is the reliable house right in the center.

You can tweak this phrase slightly to change the focus. 还没做完 (hái méi zuò wán) means 'haven't finished doing it.' This implies you've started, but there is still more to go. It's a great way to show you've actually put in some effort. Another variation is 还没做过 (hái méi zuò guò). The 过 indicates experience. This means 'have never done it before' in your life. For example, 我还没做过过山车 (I've never been on a roller coaster). Notice how adding one tiny character changes the meaning from 'I haven't done my chores' to 'I lack this life experience.' Chinese is like Lego; one small piece changes the whole structure!

Is 还没做 polite? Yes, it is neutral and perfectly fine for almost any situation. Can I use it for cooking? Yes, 还没做饭 is very common. Is it okay for text messages? Absolutely, it’s a standard text response. Does it mean I will definitely do it? It implies you will, but it’s not a legal contract! What if I want to sound really sorry? Add 对不起 (duì bù qǐ) at the beginning. Can I just say 还没? Yes, in casual conversation, shortening it is very common. It’s the ultimate 'not yet' for the busy (or lazy) modern person. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some laundry that I 还没做!