まま

As It Is

Level 2Sounds Like mama

Use まま to describe doing something while keeping a specific state exactly as it is. It translates to 'as it is,' 'left on,' or 'with (something) still in that state.'

How It Works

The grammar pattern まま is used to indicate that a condition (State A) continues without change while another action (Action B) takes place. Unlike some other patterns, まま is generally neutral and can be used for intentional choices, natural states, or accidental oversights.

Morphology and Attachment:
Since まま functions as a noun, it follows standard noun-linking rules:

  • Verbs (Past): Usually uses the た form to establish a completed state (e.g., 開けたまま - left open).
  • Verbs (Negative): Uses the ない form to show a state of 'not doing' something (e.g., 行かないまま - without going).
  • Verbs (Dictionary): Used in specific set phrases, often with passive verbs like 言われるまま (doing as told) or なすがまま (leaving things to fate).
  • い-Adjectives: Dictionary form + まま (e.g., 熱いまま - while still hot).
  • な-Adjectives: Stem + な + まま (e.g., きれいなまま - remaining beautiful).
  • Nouns: Noun + の + まま (e.g., 昔のまま - just like the old days).
  • Demonstratives: この/その/あの + まま (e.g., そのまま - just like that/as it is).

Nuance Note:
Learners often confuse this with 〜っぱなし. While both describe a state left as is, 〜っぱなし usually implies a negative nuance of neglect or messiness (like leaving the tap running). まま is objective and can be used for positive or neutral situations, such as 'remaining young' or 'following instructions.'

Examples (6)

  1. テレビをつけたまま寝てしまった。

    I fell asleep with the TV left on.

    Word by Word: TV (object) turned on state-as-it-is slept (regret).

    Here, the 'state' is the TV being on, which remained unchanged while the person fell asleep.

  2. この町は１０年前と変わらず、きれいなままだ。

    This town hasn't changed from 10 years ago; it remains beautiful.

    Word by Word: This town (topic) 10 years ago with not-changing, beautiful state-as-it-is is.

    This shows まま used with a な-adjective to describe a positive, persisting state.

  3. 靴をはいたまま家に入らないでください。

    Please do not enter the house with your shoes on.

    Word by Word: Shoes (object) wore state-as-it-is house into don't enter please.

    The state of 'having shoes on' should not be maintained when performing the action of entering.

  4. コーヒーが熱いまま飲んでください。

    Please drink the coffee while it is still hot.

    Word by Word: Coffee (subject) hot state-as-it-is drink please.

    This demonstrates まま used with an い-adjective to indicate a state that should be taken advantage of before it changes.

  5. さよならも言わないまま、彼は行ってしまった。

    He left without even saying goodbye.

    Word by Word: Goodbye also not-saying state-as-it-is, he went (regret).

    This uses the ない form to show that the action of 'saying goodbye' never happened before the main action.

  6. 言われるままに、書類にサインをした。

    I signed the documents just as I was told.

    Word by Word: Be-told state-as-it-is, documents to sign (object) did.

    This uses the dictionary form of a passive verb, a common set phrase meaning 'to do exactly as one is told' without resistance.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the dictionary form of a verb instead of the past (た) form.

    窓を開けるまま寝ました。
    窓を開けたまま寝ました。

    Because まま describes a state that has already been established, you must use the た form to 'set' that condition before the next action happens.

  • Forgetting the 'na' or 'no' particles when connecting adjectives or nouns.

    子供まま大人になった。
    子供のまま大人になった。

    Since まま is grammatically a noun, you must use の for other nouns and な for な-adjectives.

How It Connects

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ままLevel 2As It Is

Learn This First

To understand 'まま', you need to know how to modify nouns using verbs (specifically in the past 'た' form for completed states), adjectives, and other nouns. Since 'まま' acts like a noun, it follows standard noun modification rules.

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Words in This Pattern

まま