まま

• Reading: まま
• Romaji: mama
• Pronunciation: /ma.ma/

Meaning

As it is; unchanged; left in a certain state. Describes maintaining a current condition.

Used after verbs in た-form, adjectives, or nouns with の to express that something remains in a particular state without change. For example, 窓を開けたまま (with the window left open) or そのまま (as is, just like that). It is extremely common in daily Japanese and often implies something was left unattended or unchanged.

Examples

1. 電気をつけたまま寝てしまった。 I fell asleep with the lights still on.
2. 靴を履いたまま家に入らないでください。 Please don't come inside with your shoes still on.
3. そのままでいいですよ。 It's fine just the way it is.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, descriptions, instructions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From classical Japanese まま, meaning 'as is' or 'in accordance with.' The kanji 儘 exists but is rarely used; hiragana is standard in modern writing.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal