JLPT N4 grammar

〜ままmeaning and usage

Meaning

The situation A remains unchanged

This point is also listed at N3.

How to form it

  • verb (ta-form)/verb (nai-form)まま
  • い-adjectiveまま
  • な-adjective (stem)なまま
  • nounのまま

How it is used

A state stays unchanged, often when you would expect it to change, or something is done while that state continues (「靴をはいたまま入る」). For two actions at once, use 「〜ながら」.

Examples

  1. あなたはそのことを言わないままにして置く方が良い。

    It would be better if that remains unsaid.

  2. 昨日はテレビをつけたまま寝てしまいました。

    Last night I fell asleep with the TV on.

  3. 野菜は切らないで、そのまま入れてください。

    Don't cut the vegetables; just put them in as they are.