尚

• Pinyin: shàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 尚 = 小 + 口 (esteem; classical adverb)

Meaning

Still; yet; even. A formal adverb indicating that something is still the case or even applies.

Used in written and formal speech. 尚 can mean 'still/yet' (equivalent to 还) or 'even' (equivalent to 连…都). Appears frequently in classical texts and formal modern Chinese.

Examples

1. 此问题尚未得到彻底解决。 This issue has still not been fully resolved.
2. 他年纪尚轻，经验不足。 He is still young and lacks experience.
3. 连专家尚且无法解释，普通人更难理解了。 Even the experts still can’t explain it, so it’s even harder for ordinary people to understand.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, literary, official writing

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 目前该技术尚处于实验阶段，尚不具备商业化条件。(The technology is currently still in the experimental stage and not yet ready for commercialisation.)
• 他尚在任期间推动了多项重要改革。(While still in office, he promoted several important reforms.)

Don't Say

• 在日常口语中用尚代替还 — 尚 is formal; say 还 in casual speech

Origin & History

Classical Chinese character meaning 'still, yet, to esteem'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal