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なお
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nao
still; yet; furthermore; in addition~
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なお
nao
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still; yet; furthermore; in addition~
N2
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📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level N2
Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage
Reading nao
Post ID 51078
Patterns today 0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes

still; yet; furthermore; in addition~

📖 How to use it

An adverb meaning 'still' or 'yet' when contrasting, and 'furthermore' when adding information, often in written or formal contexts.

Attaches to Used as an adverb, placed at the beginning of a clause or before the phrase it modifies. No specific verb form is required; it can appear with nouns, verbs, adjectives, or entire clauses.

なお has two main uses. First, it can mean 'still' or 'yet,' emphasizing that a situation remains unchanged despite expectations or time passing. For example, after someone says they are tired, you might say なお疲れている? meaning 'Are you still tired?' This usage often appears in written or formal speech, as in news reports or essays. Second, it means 'furthermore' or 'in addition,' used to add extra information to a statement. This is common in business announcements, notices, or formal letters, where you might say なお、会議は延期になりました meaning 'Furthermore, the meeting has been postponed.' In everyday conversation, you might hear it in set phrases like なおさら (even more so) or なおしても (even if you do...), but as a standalone adverb it sounds formal and is less common in casual chat. The word carries a slightly literary tone, so using it in casual conversation can make you sound bookish. For example, saying まだ instead of なお for 'still' is more natural among friends. Similarly, for 'furthermore,' それに or あと are casual alternatives. In writing, なお is a handy connector, especially in emails or reports, where it adds a polished touch.

彼はなおも反対している。
Kare wa nao mo hantai shite iru.
He is still opposed to it.
なお、明日の会議は午後二時からです。
Nao, ashita no kaigi wa gogo ni-ji kara desu.
Furthermore, tomorrow's meeting is from 2 PM.
この問題はなお検討が必要だ。
Kono mondai wa nao kentō ga hitsuyō da.
This issue still requires consideration.
Not まだ まだ is the everyday word for 'still' or 'yet' in conversation (e.g., まだ時間がある). なお is formal and often adds a contrasting or additive nuance in writing. If you're speaking casually, use まだ. If you're adding a point in a formal context, なお works like 'furthermore.'
Register Formal and literary; used in written language, announcements, and formal speech, but rarely in casual conversation.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
なお
📚 How to Master This Pattern
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Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat なお three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
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Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
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Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using なお. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
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Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern なお mean? ▼
Still; yet; furthermore; in addition~
What JLPT level is なお? ▼
Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use なお in a sentence? ▼
Attach なお (nao) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is なお formal or casual Japanese? ▼
なお is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember なお long-term? ▼
Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.