そのまま

• Reading: そのまま
• Romaji: sonomama
• Pronunciation: /so.no.ma.ma/

Meaning

As it is; without change; just like that. Describes maintaining a current state or condition.

An adverb and noun meaning to keep something in its current state without alteration. Used in commands (そのままにしておいて — leave it as is), descriptions (そのまま食べられる — can be eaten as is), and narrative (そのまま眠ってしまった — fell asleep just like that). Part of the まま family: このまま, あのまま, そのまま. Very versatile in daily life.

Examples

1. この果物は皮ごとそのまま食べられます。 You can eat this fruit as is, skin and all.
2. テレビをつけたまま、そのまま寝てしまった。 I left the TV on and fell asleep just like that.
3. 冷蔵庫にそのまま入れておいてください。 Please just put it in the fridge as is.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, instructions, cooking

Tone: matter-of-fact

Origin & History

Compound of その (that) and まま (state/condition). まま derives from an old Japanese word meaning 'as is' or 'unchanged state.' Together, 'in that state' — preserving the existing condition.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal