1.
still far from enough, not nearly there yet
Emphasizes that something is far from reaching a goal, standard, or completion. Stronger than まだ alone.
2.
still more to come, there is much more ahead
Indicates that something will continue or that there is still plenty remaining.
まだまだ is the reduplicated form of まだ (still, not yet), adding emphasis to mean "far from enough" or "still a long way to go."
Common patterns
- まだまだです: I still have a long way to go (humble response to praise)
- まだまだ足りない: still far from enough
- まだまだこれから: the best is still to come
- まだまだ続く: far from over
Usage
まだまだです is one of the most common humble responses when receiving a compliment in Japanese. It conveys modesty by saying one is far from accomplished.
- Sense 1 (not enough) often carries a tone of self-reflection or humility
- Sense 2 (more to come) is more neutral or encouraging, indicating that something will continue or has further to go
Similar words
まだ simply means "still" or "not yet." まだまだ emphasizes that the gap is large.