还没做
To not yet do
Literally: still not do
Use `还没做` to honestly report that a task or action is currently incomplete.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to say a task is currently unfinished.
- Perfect for responding to 'Have you done it yet?' questions.
- Implies the action might happen in the future.
Meaning
This phrase is the ultimate 'not yet' for when you haven't finished a task. It tells people that while something isn't done now, it's likely on your to-do list.
Key Examples
3 of 6A boss asking for a file
老板，那个文件我还没做。
Boss, I haven't done that file yet.
Mom asking about chores
妈，我还没做家务呢。
Mom, I haven't done the chores yet.
Texting a friend about a shared task
还没做，别急！
Haven't done it yet, don't worry!
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects a linear view of tasks common in modern Chinese society. It uses the negation 'mei' which specifically refers to past or completed actions. It has become a staple of 'sang' culture (youth subculture) when jokingly discussing procrastination.
The 'Ne' Magic
Always add `呢` (ne) at the end if you want to sound less like a robot and more like a friendly human.
Don't use 'Bu'
Avoid saying `还不做`. This sounds like you are stubbornly refusing to do something rather than just being late!
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to say a task is currently unfinished.
- Perfect for responding to 'Have you done it yet?' questions.
- Implies the action might happen in the future.
What It Means
还没做 is your go-to phrase for unfinished business. It combines 还 (still), 没 (not), and 做 (to do). It is simple, direct, and incredibly common in daily life. It implies a state of 'not yet' rather than a permanent 'no.'
How To Use It
Use it as a standalone answer or inside a sentence. You can place a subject at the beginning, like 我还没做 (I haven't done it yet). If you want to be specific, add the task after 做. For example, 还没做作业 (Haven't done homework yet). It is like a verbal placeholder for progress.
When To Use It
You will use this constantly in the office or at home. Use it when your boss asks for a report. Use it when your mom asks if you cleaned your room. It works perfectly in text messages when someone checks in on you. It is the honest answer for a work in progress.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for things you never intend to do. If you hate skydiving, don't say 还没做. That sounds like you are planning to jump tomorrow! Also, avoid using it for feelings or states of being. You wouldn't say you 'haven't done' being happy. Stick to actions and tasks.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often values modesty and ongoing effort. Saying 还没做 can sometimes be a way to stay humble about your progress. However, in a fast-paced city like Shanghai, it might just be a sign you need more coffee. It is a neutral, functional part of the modern Chinese hustle.
Common Variations
You can add 呢 at the end to sound softer: 还没做呢. This makes you sound less blunt and more friendly. You can also add 都 for emphasis: 我都还没做. This sounds like you are a bit overwhelmed or surprised by the question. It is the 'I haven't even started!' of Chinese.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral phrase suitable for almost any situation. The main 'gotcha' is ensuring you use `没` instead of `不`, as `不` changes the meaning to a refusal.
The 'Ne' Magic
Always add `呢` (ne) at the end if you want to sound less like a robot and more like a friendly human.
Don't use 'Bu'
Avoid saying `还不做`. This sounds like you are stubbornly refusing to do something rather than just being late!
The Procrastination Bond
In China, admitting `还没做` to a peer is a common way to bond over shared stress or laziness.
Examples
6老板，那个文件我还没做。
Boss, I haven't done that file yet.
Direct and professional way to report status.
妈，我还没做家务呢。
Mom, I haven't done the chores yet.
Adding 'ne' at the end makes it sound softer.
还没做，别急！
Haven't done it yet, don't worry!
Short and punchy for fast texting.
作业太多了，我还没做。
There's too much homework, I haven't done it.
Relatable struggle for any student.
晚饭还没做，我们要不点外卖吧？
Dinner isn't made yet, shall we just order takeout?
Using the 'not yet' as an excuse for delivery.
对不起，你交代的事我还没做。
I'm sorry, I haven't done what you asked yet.
Shows a sense of responsibility and apology.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase 'I haven't done it yet'.
我___做。
The combination 'hai mei' specifically means 'not yet' in the context of an action.
How would you tell a friend you haven't done the homework in a soft tone?
作业还没做___。
The particle 'ne' at the end of a 'hai mei' sentence adds a softening, conversational tone.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '还没做'
Used with friends and family
还没做呢
Standard daily communication
还没做
Slightly blunt for high-stakes formal settings
目前尚未完成
Where to use '还没做'
Office
Reports or emails
Home
Cleaning or cooking
School
Homework or projects
Social
Plans or bookings
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions还没做 means 'not yet,' implying you might do it later. 没有做 simply means 'did not do,' which is more of a flat statement of fact.
Usually, for experiences like 'I haven't been to Paris,' we use 还没去过. 还没做 is specifically for tasks or actions.
It's not rude, but it is very direct. Adding a reason or a timeline like 还没做，下午给你 (Haven't done it yet, will give it to you this afternoon) is better.
You can ask 你做了吗？ or more naturally, 你做了没有？.
Yes, you can say 还没吃 (haven't eaten yet). It follows the same 还没 + [verb] pattern.
The 还 (hái) means 'still.' So you are literally saying you are 'still' in a state of 'not doing' it.
Young people might say 还没动 (hái méi dòng), meaning they haven't even 'touched' or 'moved' the task yet.
No, for habits like 'I don't smoke,' use 我不抽烟. 还没做 is for specific events or tasks.
It can, depending on your tone. If you say it slowly with a sigh, it sounds like an apology. If you say it quickly, it sounds like a status update.
Yes, this is a standard phrase used across all Mandarin-speaking regions.
Related Phrases
还没呢 (Not yet)
还没完 (Not finished yet)
等一下 (Wait a minute)
马上做 (Doing it right away)
没时间做 (No time to do it)
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