What does ya in Spanish mean?

What is the meaning of the word ya in Spanish? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use ya in Spanish.

The word ya in Spanish means now, already, soon, now, once, oh, sure, whether, yes, Stop it already!, Enough already!, Enough! Period!, Shut up, Stop it, wow, look at that!, Come on!, from now on, as of now, have been doing for years, don't screw up, anyone else would already have, by that time, right away, now you see, I know, I already know, get lost, beat it, enough is enough!, Cut it out!, with that, he had, she had, you had, it had, now means now!, I told you so, that says a lot, we got off on the wrong foot, it started, it began, even then, it was too late, it's about time, is history, is ancient history, it's time, it is time, it's time to, it is time to, it is time that, and on to another topic, that's enough!, it's all over bar the shouting, we'll talk about it, it was about time, got over it, we have been able to prove, we have verified it, I already know, I told you, you'll give me your impressions later, tell me later, let me know, any minute, right now, nobody wants to now, Stop driving me up the wall!, nothing can be done now, not anymore, no longer, it's not enough with, what's the point now, there's no point now, no more!, I won't take long, I won't be long, we would like to, it was our turn, see you later, all set, while you're at it, because, since, as, while we're at it, do it bigger and better, now that you mention it, now that, it's already known, it's obvious, it is yet to be seen, either, I'll tell you about it later, I'll tell you, shame on you!, you've gone too far!, how could you!, it's all over bar the shouting, Coming!, I'm coming!, it's about time, it's about time, it's high time, I see, as you can see, I'm on my way, I'll be right there, yes, but, I knew it already, I knew it already. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word ya

now

adverbio (ahora, inmediatamente)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Ya comprendo por qué María estaba disgustada. —¡Quiero que entres a casa ya!

Now I understand why Maria was upset. I want you to come inside now!

already

adverbio (en el pasado)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

La policía ya había detenido al ladrón en dos ocasiones.

The police had already detained the thief on two occasions.

soon

adverbio (en el futuro)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

—Dejemos solo a Martín. Ya se calmará. —Los nuevos gafetes están casi listos. Ya mañana podremos usarlos.

Let's leave Martin alone; he'll soon calm down.

now

adverbio (a partir de este momento)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Los planes de estudio ya pueden ser descargados de nuestra web. —El informe financiero acaba de salir. Ya puedes irte despidiendo del bono de medio año.

The financial report has just come out; now you can kiss your half-year bonus goodbye.

once

adverbio (expresa anterioridad)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Ya en la segunda parada, sentimos hambre y tuvimos que almorzar. Ya a la tercera llamada infructuosa, se envía el correo certificado.

Once at the second stop, we felt hungry and had to eat lunch.

oh, sure

adverbio (expresa incredulidad)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

—Por fin el viernes no puedo verte: tengo junta. —¡Ya! ¿Y cómo no me avisaste antes? ¿Se te volvió a olvidar?

whether

conjunción (formal (posibilidad, alternativa)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

Mi padre siempre me acompañó, ya en la alegría, ya en las penas.

My father has always been there for me, whether in happiness or in sorrow.

yes

adverbio (expresa acuerdo)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

—Tomás es muy presumido, ¿no crees? —Ya.

"Tom is a real show-off, don't you think?" "Yes."

Stop it already!, Enough already!

locución interjectiva (orden: termina)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

¡Basta ya! No quiero escucharte más.

Enough already! I don't want to hear anymore.

Enough! Period!

locución interjectiva (se acabó)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

No volveremos a hablar del asunto, ¡basta ya!

We're not going to talk about it again, enough!

Shut up

locución interjectiva (ofensivo (cállate de una vez)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

¡Corta ya! Déjame en paz de una vez y no me cuentes más historias.

Shut up! Leave me alone and don't tell me any more tales.

Stop it

locución interjectiva (para de una vez)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

Me estás molestando con la pelotita; corta ya y ponte a estudiar.

wow, look at that!

expresión (¡ahí queda eso!)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Come on!

locución interjectiva (expresa incredulidad)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

—Me saqué un diez en el examen de química. —¡Anda ya!

from now on, as of now

locución adverbial (inicio de: ahora mismo)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Desde ya empezamos a gastar menos.

From now on we start to spend less.

have been doing for years

locución verbal (haber pasado un tiempo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Va ya para varios años que Juan y Laura salen juntos.

Juan and Laura have been going out for years.

don't screw up

expresión (MX, coloquial (reprobación, aflicción)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

¿Vas a faltar al trabajo otra vez? No la amueles, te van a despedir.

anyone else would already have

expresión (expresa hipótesis)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

En tu lugar otro ya habría renunciado.

by that time

locución adverbial (en ese tiempo)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Nos licenciamos en 1980, y para entonces ya estábamos casados.

right away

locución adverbial (coloquial (ahora mismo)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

El jefe necesita estos documentos para ya.

The boss needs these documents immediately.

now you see

expresión (así son las cosas)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Pues ya ves, me han dejado solo de nuevo.

Now you see, they have left me alone again.

I know, I already know

expresión (conozco el asunto)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

get lost, beat it

expresión (coloquial (lárgate de aquí)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

¿Qué haces en mi cocina? ¡Deja de estorbar! Mejor vete a ver si ya puso la marrana.

What are you doing in my kitchen? Stop getting in the way! Better yet, get lost.

enough is enough!

locución adverbial (se acabó)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

Cut it out!

locución interjectiva (MX: informal (ya basta, suficiente)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

with that

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

he had, she had, you had, it had

expresión (dar por hecho algo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

now means now!

expresión (coloquial (de inmediato)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

I told you so

expresión (coloquial (al confirmar sospechas)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

—Ya le pregunté al jefe y no es verdad que te van a dar un aumento. —Ya decía yo.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. The hotel is too far from the city centre for us to walk. No wonder the room was so cheap!

that says a lot

expresión (mostrar algo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

we got off on the wrong foot

expresión (iniciar con adversidad)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it started, it began

expresión (coloquial (a punto de iniciar algo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

even then

expresión (tiempo atrás)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it was too late

expresión (ya pasó el momento)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's about time

expresión (informal (por fin)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

—Julia acaba de llegar. —¡Ya era hora!

"Julia has just arrived." "It's about time!"

is history, is ancient history

expresión (es cosa del pasado)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's time, it is time

expresión (llegó el momento)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Ya es hora: ¡tomen sus herramientas y comiencen a trabajar!

It's time: grab your tools and get to work!

it's time to, it is time to

expresión (es el momento de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Despierta, Julia. Ya es hora de ir a trabajar.

Wake up, Julia. It's time to go to work.

it is time that

expresión (es el momento de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

and on to another topic

expresión (no ser el mismo tema)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

that's enough!

locución interjectiva (basta, es suficiente)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

it's all over bar the shouting

expresión (ya quedó claro)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Ya está dicho: la ganadora del concurso de poesía es Diana.

It's all over bar the shouting: the winner of the poetry contest is Diana.

we'll talk about it

expresión (vamos a hablar otro día)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it was about time

expresión (es urgente que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

got over it

expresión (otro que vive lo mismo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

we have been able to prove, we have verified it

expresión (resaltar algo sabido)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

I already know

expresión (coloquial (denota impaciencia)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

—Tienes una mancha de café en la camisa. —¡Ya lo sé!

"You have a coffee stain on your shirt." "I already know!"

I told you

expresión (coloquial (para ponderar algo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

you'll give me your impressions later

expresión (coloquial (hazme saber si...)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

tell me later

expresión (coloquial (dime lo que piensas)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

¿No te gusta el pastel de zanahoria? Pues prueba el que preparé ayer y ya me contarás.

Don't you like carrot cake? Well try the one I prepared yesterday and tell me later.

let me know

expresión (coloquial (después me cuentas)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Si inviertes en mi negocio, tendrás derecho al 30% de las ganancias. Piénsalo y ya me dices.

If you invest in my business, you will be entitled to 30% of the profit. Think about it and let me know.

any minute

locución adverbial (MX: coloquial (falta poco, ya casi)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Me voy porque ya mero empieza la novela.

I'm leaving because the soap opera is going to start any minute.

right now

locución adverbial (en este momento)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Debo atender una emergencia en la oficina, así que necesito que vengas ya mismo a cuidar a los niños.

I must attend to an emergency in the office, so I need you to come right now and take care of the children.

nobody wants to now

expresión (a nadie le interesa)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Stop driving me up the wall!

expresión (MX, coloquial (reproche) (colloquial)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

¡Ya ni la amuelas! Siempre llegas tarde, no tienes remedio.

nothing can be done now

expresión (coloquial (expresa resignación)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Ya ni modo; tendremos que acostumbrarnos a vivir con esos vecinos ruidosos.

not anymore, no longer

locución adverbial (dejó de ser así)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Miguel ya no fuma. —¿Necesitas ayuda con tu tarea? —Ya no.

Miguel doesn't smoke anymore. "Do you need help with your homework?" "Not anymore."

it's not enough with

locución adverbial (no es suficiente)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

what's the point now, there's no point now

expresión (coloquial (no se puede hacer nada)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

no more!

locución interjectiva (expresa rechazo enfático)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

Basta de mentiras. ¡Ya no más!

Enough lying. No more!

I won't take long, I won't be long

expresión (me falta poco)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

"Ya casi estoy listo para salir." "¡Espérame, que ya no tardo!"

I'm almost ready to leave. Wait for me; I won't take long!

we would like to

expresión (eso quisiéramos)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

—¿Es cierto que compraron una casa en la playa? —¡Ya nos gustaría!

it was our turn

expresión (coloquial (era nuestro turno)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

see you later

expresión (nos vemos luego)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

—Voy a la tienda y luego regreso, Pedro. —Está bien, Ana. Ya nos vemos.

- 'Pedro, I'm going to the shop.' - 'OK Ana. See you later.'

all set

locución adverbial (listos, arreglados)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Ya puestos para ver el partido preparamos unos aperitivos.

All set to see the game, we prepared some appetizers.

while you're at it

locución adverbial (ya que estamos)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Ya puestos, ¿por qué no arreglamos también el baño?

While we're at it, why don't we also fix the bathroom?

because, since, as

locución conjuntiva (pues, dado que)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

Está feliz ya que obtuvo una beca para doctorado.

He's happy because he got a grant for his doctorate.

while we're at it

expresión (coloquial (de paso) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Como sobró pintura, pintemos mi habitación, y, ya que estamos, la sala también.

As there was paint left over, let's paint my room, and, while we're at it, the living room too.

do it bigger and better

expresión (CR, SV, NI, HN, GT, CoS (hacer algo aún mejor)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Si preparas sopa, haz para todos; ya que la hiciste negra hazla trompuda.

now that you mention it

expresión (a propósito de eso)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

now that

locución conjuntiva (en vista de)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

Ya que no trabajas deberías ayudar en la casa.

Now that you're not working, you should help out at home.

it's already known

expresión (es conocido por todos)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's obvious

expresión (expresa conformidad)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is yet to be seen

expresión (está por verse)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

—¿Es verdad que tu hija se casa en mayo? —Ya se verá; no parecía muy segura.

either

locución conjuntiva (que presenta opciones)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

A Carlos no le gusta ningún perro, ya sea pequeño o grande.

Carlos doesn't like any dog, either big or small.

I'll tell you about it later

expresión (te diré cómo acaba esto)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Hoy voy a probar el nuevo restaurante y ya te contaré.

Today I'm going to try the new restaurant and I'll tell you about it later.

I'll tell you

expresión (relatar algo en seguida)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

shame on you!, you've gone too far!, how could you!

locución interjectiva (España (manifiesta desaprobación) (informal)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

Te he estado esperando dos horas; ya te vale.

I've been waiting for you two hours; how could you!

it's all over bar the shouting

locución adverbial (se acabó)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Aunque las elecciones fueron ayer y ya todo está dicho, este candidato sigue insultando a sus oponentes.

Although the elections were yesterday and it's all over bar the shouting, this candidate continues to insult his opponents.

Coming!, I'm coming!

locución interjectiva (coloquial (a menudo repetido) (un momento, espera)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

—¿Puedes venir un momento a la cocina? —¡Ya va!

it's about time

expresión (coloquial (es el momento)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Ya va siendo hora de marcharse a casa; es muy tarde.

It's about time to head home; it's very late.

it's about time, it's high time

expresión (coloquial (es hora de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Ya va siendo tiempo de madurar y dejar atrás las niñerías.

I see

expresión (ahora entiendo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

—Lo estás haciendo mal. Tienes que cortar la cebolla y luego mezclarla con los demás ingredientes. —Ya veo.

- You're doing it wrong. You have to cut the onion and then mix it with the other ingredients. - I see.

as you can see

expresión (coloquial (para ponderar algo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

I'm on my way, I'll be right there

locución adverbial (coloquial (pide esperar)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

–Ana, llegó tu taxi. –Dile al chofer que ya voy.

"Ana, your taxi has arrived." "Tell the driver I'm on my way."

yes, but

locución adverbial (introduce objeción) (expressing objection)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

—Deberías comenzar la tarea de matemáticas. —Ya, pero es que estoy muy cansada.

- "You should get started on the math homework." - "Yes, but I'm really tired."

I knew it already

expresión (escuchar algo de nuevo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

I knew it already

expresión (haber anticipado algo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Let's learn Spanish

So now that you know more about the meaning of ya in Spanish, you can learn how to use them through selected examples and how to read them. And remember to learn the related words that we suggest. Our website is constantly updating with new words and new examples so you can look up the meanings of other words you don't know in Spanish.

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