まま

Alternative writings: , , まんま, ママ
Frequency:
1

the state of remaining as it is; leaving something unchanged

NounAdverbUsually Kana

Examples

テレビをつけたまま寝てしまった。

I fell asleep with the TV still on.

靴を履いたまま部屋に入らないでください。

Please don't enter the room with your shoes on.

このままでいいのか、もう一度確認しよう。

Let's check once more to see if it's okay as it is.

2

used after a verb (often past tense) to indicate continuation in that state (e.g. 'while still ...')

NounAdverbUsually Kana

Examples

彼は目を閉じたまま電車に乗っていた。

He rode the train with his eyes closed.

寝たまま電話に気づかなかった。

I didn't notice the phone because I was still asleep.

倒れたまま動けなかった。

He collapsed and couldn't move.

3

in accordance with; as one pleases or as instructed

NounUsually Kana

Examples

彼の言われるままに作業しただけだ。

I just worked as he told me to.

好きなままに選んでいいよ。

You can choose however you like.

予定どおりのまま進めます。

We'll proceed as planned.

4

used to indicate the quoted material is reproduced exactly as in the source (equivalent to 'sic')

Noun

Examples

原文のママに記載しました。

I transcribed it exactly as in the original.

資料は誤字も原文のまま引用しています。

The materials quote the original text verbatim, including typos.