Ya vs. Ahora

Question

I am confused about the difference between "ya" and "ahora". I know that they both mean "now", as well as other things, but I am not sure when to use "ya" or "ahora". I am assuming that they are not interchangeable and that there is a reason for using one and not the other. Can anyone give me an explanation as to the difference?

Answer 1

There are lots of examples of how to use "ya" in this link:

Ya

Another dictionary says that "ya" means:

1. right now, at once, now, right away, this very minute, right this very minute;

Synonyms: ahora mismo, en este momento, en seguida, desde ya, en este mismo instante, prontito, ahorita.

2. already, by now;

Synonyms: a esta hora, a estas fechas, a estas horas

Answer 2

¡Házlo Ahora! Do it now!

like they said ahora mean NOW.

¡Házlo Ya! Do it already!

o

Ya no fumo. I don't smoke anymore.

Answer 3

Well ya can mean now or right now, such as, "lo quiero ya" - I want it (right) now. I suppose it is interchangeable when used in this way instead of "ahora" which also translates as en este momento, now, right now.

Answer 4

Ya is used more in the terms of 'already' and ahora is used in the terms of 'now'.