Ya/Todavía
- When we use Ya + Pretérito Perfecto Simple (Pretérito Indefinido), the meaning of Ya is “already”
Ejemplo:
-¿Te preparo la cena?
-No gracias, ya comí.
- But when it is negative, the meaning is “not anymore”.
Ejemplo:
-¿Te sirvo una copa de vino?
- Prefiero agua, ya no tomo alcohol.
- Sometimes, “Ya “ is used in the present tense. With this, the meaning is “in a short moment.”
Ej: Ya termino la tarea / Ya vuelvo / Ya vengo / Ya preparo la cena.
For example, the most direct translation of “Ya vengo” in English is “I will be right back.”
- When we use Todavía with Past tense and negative, the meaning is “not yet” or “still haven’t.”
Ejemplo: Todavía no almorcé/ Todavía no terminé mi trabajo.
- When we use “Todavía” with Present, the meaning is Still.
Ejemplo: Todavía trabajo en la misma escuela./ Todavía vivo en Lima.
Anna Rivera
This is very useful. I’d love to see something on how to use “a ver” or “a ver si”
Hello Rodney: “a ver”, is like”let’s see” and “a ver si” is like “let’s see if”….
Ejemplos:-Estudiante: Aquí está la tarea completa.
-Profesor: Perfecto, a ver cómo resolviste los ejercicios.
-A ver si mañana traen todos el libro. Es importante para la clase.
Saludos!!
Anna Rivera
Very very useful lesson, Anna .. muchas gracias.
)
Anna .. parli italiano? One of my biggest problems with Spanish is I speak fluent Italian and am constantly trying to spanish-ize italian words .. most of which don’t work (some do). Any ideas how to deal with that?
Hola Mariposa, me alegra que te haya sido útil. I dont speak italian, only i know some words. You need to practice and to practice. Anyway, itspanish is very cute
Anna
Very very helpful. Using “ya” always seemed on the far horizon of my Spanish skills but this was very clear.
This is the best explanation I’ve ever seen for these two words. I finally understand the uses, and I’ve been looking for a clear explanation for long time:) Muchas gracias, Anna
De Nada Karen!!!
Anna