If you're learning Spanish, you've probably come across these two deceptively simple words more times than you can count:
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.
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:
I already ate.
I already finished the homework.
Did you already arrive?
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.
Here’s where things get interesting.
Depending on tone, context, and urgency, ya can also mean:
These meanings often appear in commands or emotionally charged situations.
Enough! or Now!
Do it now!
That’s enough!
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.
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)
I don’t live in Mexico anymore.
We’re not friends anymore.
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.
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:
I still live with my parents.
She’s still in the meeting.
Do you still work there?
I’m still hungry.
In each case, todavía emphasizes continuity. Nothing has changed yet.
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)
I haven’t eaten yet.
He/She hasn’t arrived yet.
You haven’t finished yet?
This structure suggests delayed action—it’s missing, but anticipated.
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:
This timeline logic is key to understanding native Spanish thought patterns.
These phrases appear every day in Latin American and Spanish conversations. Master them, and you’ll sound much more natural:
Used when someone calls you and you’re heading there.
Ejemplo:
Mamá, ya voy.
Mom, I’m coming.
Common in Venezuela and some Caribbean countries.
Ejemplo:
¡Ya va, estoy ocupada!
Hold on, I’m busy!
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.
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:
Now, try creating your own sentences for each variation. Here’s a model:
Ya aprendí esto.
(I already learned this.)
Todavía estoy estudiando.
(I’m still studying.)
Ya no juego videojuegos.
(I don’t play video games anymore.)
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!
These little words (ya and todavía) are more than grammar. They’re a window into how native speakers talk about:
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.