Confused with "Ya" and "imperfect tense".

Question

I've been reading a lot of the definition of "ya" but I don't understand exactly how to use it. I figure that it does not have a direct English translation. I know it means "Already" and is used for emphasis. But what other meanings can it have in other contexts . example - Ya yo lo sé - I already know it.

Also had a doubt about when to use the imperfect tense like " Hablaba , Hablabamos " , etc.

Answer 1

Ya is called the "chameleon" of adverbs because it has different meanings depending on the tense and context used:

Present tense = already, right now, no longer
• Ella tiene 7 años y ya habla dos idiomas perfectamente – ...she already speaks 2 languages...

• Ella ya está escribiendo – She is writing (right) now

• Ella ya no vive más en Italia – She no longer lives in Italy

Past tense = already

• Ya leímos ese libro – We’ve already read that book

• Ya compré la comida – I've already bought the food

Future tense = later, eventually

• Ya veremos – We’ll see (eventually)

• Ya pagaré mis impuestos – I'll (eventually) pay my taxes.

• Ya hablaré con tu madre – I’ll talk to your mother (later).

I need to study up on this a little more. Thanks! - danrivera, May 15, 2010