If you're learning Spanish, you've probably come across these two deceptively simple words more times than you can count:
- Ya
- Todavía
They look short, seem harmless, and show up in nearly every Spanish conversation. But then someone says ya no or todavía no, and suddenly you're second-guessing everything you thought you knew.
Don't worry, you’re not alone. These words often confuse even intermediate-level Spanish learners. But once you understand how ya and todavía actually work, and how they interact, you’ll unlock a deeper, more natural way to express time, progress, and change in conversation.
In this guide, we’ll break it all down with simple definitions, real-life usage, and tons of examples so you can finally understand the difference between ya and todavía.
What Does “Ya” Mean?
Let’s start with ya. On its own, its most common translation is “already.”
You use ya to describe something that has happened before now, something that’s finished, done, or completed.
Positive Uses of “Ya” = “Already”
Examples:
- Ya comí.
I already ate.
- Ya terminé la tarea.
I already finished the homework.
- ¿Ya llegaste?
Did you already arrive?
- Ya lo sé.
I already know.
In these cases, ya simply mark the fact that something is done or has already taken place by the time of speaking.
But Wait… “Ya” Can Also Mean “Now” or “Enough.”
Here’s where things get interesting.
Depending on tone, context, and urgency, ya can also mean:
- Now
- Right away
- Enough
These meanings often appear in commands or emotionally charged situations.
Common Expressions with Urgent “Ya”
- ¡Ya!
Enough! or Now!
- ¡Hazlo ya!
Do it now!
- ¡Ya basta!
That’s enough!
- ¡Ya cállate!
Shut up already!
Notice how these uses don’t refer to something that’s already done. Instead, they create a sense of immediacy or finality.
What Does “Ya No” Mean?
Now, add one tiny word: no. And boom, the meaning flips completely.
“Ya no” means “not anymore” or “no longer.”
You’re talking about something that used to happen or be true, but has now stopped.
Examples of “Ya No” (Not Anymore)
- Ya no vivo en México.
I don’t live in Mexico anymore.
- Ya no somos amigos.
We’re not friends anymore.
- Ya no trabajo ahí.
I don’t work there anymore.
Compare that to just no trabajo (I don’t work): Ya no trabajo adds context: You used to work, but that changed.
Tip:
Think of ya no as highlighting a transition or interruption in a previous pattern.
What Does “Todavía” Mean?
Now, let’s talk about todavía. In most cases, it means “still.”
You use todavía to talk about something ongoing, hasn’t changed, or continues to be true.
Positive Uses of “Todavía” = “Still”
Examples:
- Todavía vivo con mis padres.
I still live with my parents.
- Ella todavía está en la reunión.
She’s still in the meeting.
- ¿Todavía trabajas ahí?
Do you still work there?
- Todavía tengo hambre.
I’m still hungry.
In each case, todavía emphasizes continuity. Nothing has changed yet.
What Does “Todavía No” Mean?
Here’s another twist: “todavía no” means “not yet.”
It implies that something hasn’t happened, but the speaker expects it to happen in the future.
Examples of “Todavía No” (Not Yet)
- Todavía no he comido.
I haven’t eaten yet.
- Todavía no llega.
He/She hasn’t arrived yet.
- ¿Todavía no has terminado?
You haven’t finished yet?
This structure suggests delayed action—it’s missing, but anticipated.
Comparing “Ya” vs. “Todavía” in Context
Here’s a handy side-by-side to drive it home:
I already finished: Ya terminé vs I haven’t finished yet: Todavía no he terminado.
I don’t work there anymore: Ya no trabajo allí. I still work there: Todavía trabajo allí.
Notice how:
- Ya = done
- Todavía = ongoing
- Ya no = stopped
- Todavía no = delayed, but expected
This timeline logic is key to understanding native Spanish thought patterns.
Common Real-Life Expressions with “Ya”
These phrases appear every day in Latin American and Spanish conversations. Master them, and you’ll sound much more natural:
1. ¡Ya voy! – I’m coming! / I’m on my way!
Used when someone calls you and you’re heading there.
Ejemplo:
Mamá, ya voy.
Mom, I’m coming.
2. ¡Ya va! – Hold on! / Wait a second!
Common in Venezuela and some Caribbean countries.
Ejemplo:
¡Ya va, estoy ocupada!
Hold on, I’m busy!
3. ¡Ya! – Now! / Enough!
It can mean “do it now” or “stop that.”
Ejemplo:
¡Ya basta!
That’s enough!
¡Ya, por favor!
Enough, please!
Tone is everything. Soft voice = urgency. Sharp tone = frustration.
Quick Memory Tips
Think of “ya” like a checkmark; the action is already done.
Think of “todavía” like a pause button; it’s still happening, or it’s waiting to happen.
Add “no” to either one, and the meaning reverses:
- Ya no (It used to happen, but not anymore.)
- Todavía no (It hasn’t happened yet, but maybe will.)
Practice Time
Now, try creating your own sentences for each variation. Here’s a model:
- Ya:
Ya aprendí esto.
(I already learned this.)
- Todavía:
Todavía estoy estudiando.
(I’m still studying.)
- Ya no:
Ya no juego videojuegos.
(I don’t play video games anymore.)
- Todavía no:
Todavía no hablo español perfectamente.
(I don’t speak Spanish perfectly yet.)
Write 2–3 more examples of your own. Say them out loud. Repetition is the key!
Why This Matters for Fluency
These little words (ya and todavía) are more than grammar. They’re a window into how native speakers talk about:
- Time
- Change
- Expectation
- Emotion
Mastering them lets you express when things happen, if they’re done, and what might come next. You’ll sound more fluent, but more importantly, you’ll think more like a Spanish speaker.
So the next time someone asks you:
-¿Todavía estás aprendiendo español?
You can proudly say:
-¡Sí! ya entiendo la diferencia entre ya y todavía.2q
And that, my friend, is a big step toward fluency.
I hope you find this helpful! Now you know the difference between ya and todavía. These words can be confusing at the beginning, but with practice, they will start to feel as natural as your first language.
Did you have issues with this? How do you feel now? Got any questions? Let us know! Drop a message, we would love to hear from you.
