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left as it is / while remaining in the state
Definition
The grammar pattern "V(た/ない) / Nの / な-adjな / い-adjい + まま" indicates that a state remains unchanged while another action or situation occurs. It is often used for states that are usually expected to change, such as leaving lights on or forgetting to turn off the stove. This pattern emphasizes the persistence of a state despite other actions or events.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb (ta form) | V(た) + の + な-adjな + まま | 窓をあけているまま、寝てしまったので、風邪を引いた。 |
| Negative Verb (nai form) | V(ない) + の + な-adjな + まま | 電気を消さないまま、家を出てしまった。 |
| Noun | Nの + な-adjな + まま | この町は、昔景色が残っているままだ。 |
Examples
靴を履いているまま、家の中に入ってはいけません。
Kutsu o hiite iru mama, ie no naka ni hairu to wa ienai.
You must not enter the house while wearing shoes.
靴を履いている (wearing shoes), まま (while remaining in the state), 入ってはいけません (must not enter)
窓を開けているまま、寝てしまったので、風邪を引いた。
Mado o akete iru mama, nematte shimatta node, kaze o haitta.
I caught a cold because I fell asleep with the window open.
窓を開けている (with the window open), まま (while remaining in the state), 寝てしまった (fell asleep)
この町は、昔景色が残っているままだ。
Kono machi wa, mukashi keshiki ga nokotte iru mama da.
This town still has the same scenery as it did in the past.
景色が残っている (the scenery remains), まま (while remaining in the state)
Context
This pattern is used to indicate that a state persists despite other actions or events. It is often used in situations where a state is expected to change, such as turning off lights or closing windows. The pattern can be used with both positive and negative verbs, as well as nouns.
Watch out
The past (ta) form is necessary to indicate the persistence of a state.
The particle 'の' is necessary to indicate the relationship between the noun and the state.
〜ながら is used to indicate actions that occur at the same time, while this pattern is used to indicate states that persist despite other actions.
Strategy
Pay attention to the context and the relationship between the state and the action. Make sure to use the correct form of the verb and include the particle 'の' when necessary.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N3 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V(た/ない) / Nの / な-adjな / い-adjい + まま used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
靴を履いたまま、家の中に入ってはいけません。
Pattern used: 履いたまま
〜まま requires the V-ta form to indicate the state of having put on shoes persists.
窓を開けたまま寝てしまったので、風邪を引いた。
Pattern used: 開けたまま
〜まま emphasizes that the window was left in the 'open' state throughout the night.
この町は、昔のまま景色が残っている。
Pattern used: のまま
When used with a noun, the particle 'の' must come before 'まま'.
Interactive
靴を______、家の中に入ってはいけません。
Adaptive practice
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