Meanings of 依然
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Podcast: 依然
Podcast: 依然
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AI Study Notes for 依然
仍然 (réngrán) - use 依然 when emphasizing a sense of unchanged continuity in emotional or situational contexts, while 仍然 often implies a broader or more neutral continuation.
依然 is often used in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in written Chinese. Be careful not to confuse it with similar phrases like 还是 (hái shì), which implies a choice, whereas 依然 emphasizes continuation. For example, saying '他依然在这里' (Tā yīrán zài zhèlǐ) means 'He is still here.'
As an HSK Level 5 word, 依然 connects to other words expressing time and continuity, like 仍然 (réngrán) which is a synonym. Students should practice using it in sentences to express ongoing actions or states to solidify their understanding of its application.
Learners often mistakenly use 依然 with a negation, such as saying '他依然不喜欢' (Tā yīrán bù xǐhuān). The correct phrasing would be '他还是不喜欢' (Tā háishì bù xǐhuān), as 依然 emphasizes continuation rather than change.
Pronunciation of 依然
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Jason Explains 依然 to You
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Component Characters
How to say still in Chinese
“still” in Chinese is依然
依然 means 'still' or 'as before' and is used to indicate that a situation remains unchanged or that something continues to be the same. It can express a sense of continuity or persistence in various contexts, such as emotions, conditions, or circumstances.
When to use 依然
依然 is often used in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in written Chinese. Be careful not to confuse it with similar phrases like 还是 (hái shì), which implies a choice, whereas 依然 emphasizes continuation. For example, saying '他依然在这里' (Tā yīrán zài zhèlǐ) means 'He is still here.'
依然 or something close to it
仍然 (réngrán) - use 依然 when emphasizing a sense of unchanged continuity in emotional or situational contexts, while 仍然 often implies a broader or more neutral continuation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 依然 with a negation, such as saying '他依然不喜欢' (Tā yīrán bù xǐhuān). The correct phrasing would be '他还是不喜欢' (Tā háishì bù xǐhuān), as 依然 emphasizes continuation rather than change.
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Grammar Patterns of 依然
依然 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
任凭风吹雨打，这棵老树____挺立。
No matter the wind and rain, this old tree still stands tall.
Example Sentences for 依然 (10)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 依然
Yes, 依然 can be used in both casual and formal conversations when you want to express that something remains unchanged.
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