Japanese meaning of まだまだだね。

Reading:
まだまだだね。 (Mada mada da ne.)

English Translation:

You've still got a ways to go.

Scene & Cultural Context

Scene Context:


Ryoma Echizen calmly uses this phrase to assert his superiority or point out that his opponent still needs improvement.

Cultural Context:


In Japanese competition contexts, subtle expressions of superiority or encouragement to improve are common and culturally acceptable. This phrase became iconic and widely used to tease someone gently about their skills.


Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

•「まだまだ」(mada mada) = still more to go, indicating continued insufficiency
•「だね」(da ne) = casual ending softening the criticism, making it sound gentle or matter-of-fact

Trap for English Speakers

Learners might interpret it as straightforward criticism. In Japanese, this phrase can be playful, gentle, or mildly teasing rather than purely critical.

Example

Basic Example

後輩が勝負を挑んできてあっさり負けたときに。「まだまだだね。」

“You still have a long way to go.” (to a junior who challenged you and lost)