the spanish "ya"

Question

what does the spanish "ya" mean and how can we use it?

Answer 1

the typical translation that you will find for "ya" is "already" and you can use it in Spanish whenever you would typically use it in English. There are other small, a bit more idiomatic uses, such as a simple response to a question of whether or not you have done something yet or if something is ready. I am trying to remember, but I think it is quite commonly used at the beginning of the sentence, although not always.

Some examples:

¿Ya comiste las galletas? = Did you already eat the cookies?

Ya fui a ver a las vacas y están contentas comiendo el pasto = I already went to see the cows and they are happy eating the grass.

I hope this helps.

gracias, ya ha ayudado. I hope it's correct :) - shama807, Mar 2, 2012

Answer 2

ya que estamos = by the way or the popular countdown ''3,2,1 go! '' = 3,2,1 ya !!!

gracias tavo. - shama807, Mar 2, 2012

Yes, gracias Tavo. - sinsonte, May 22, 2012

Answer 3

Hello, I'm from Mexico and speak Spanish. Maybe I can give an answer a little broader. we use "ya" to indicate when a situation or event to be completed as in the case of "¿Ya terminaste la tarea?" although most of the time is used as there are also question their exceptions as in the case of tavomdr (see above) 1,2,3 ya! means the same as go or Spanish is a synonym for "ahora" or in English now. Another point for the use of "ya" is when you want to emphasize the phrase, returning to the example "¡Ya trminaste la tarea!" is emphasized that the question may well be replaced by "Terminate la tarea" it is a question without much emphasis. Another example of this would respond with the same "ya": "ya la termine", "ya la hice" or even "esta hecha" in the last example does not use the "ya" but gives the same idea of ??a short answer to the question asked. I hope they serve as a reference. anything let me know and I will try responer doubts as to Spanish.

Welcome to the site. - sinsonte, May 22, 2012

Thank you so much. It was very helpful. And welcome to the forum. :) - shama807, May 22, 2012

Thanks for the welcome - Aluko_Cleiten_Sach, May 22, 2012

Answer 4

This is a popular question, as it does have many uses. Do a search in the Q+A search box for "ya" and you'll find tons of great responses. Here's one:

click on me

thanks red. so much uses for a short word. :) - shama807, Mar 2, 2012

no hay de que.... it's a fabulously useful word, and it does have a thousand meanings! - RedLine55, Mar 2, 2012

Answer 5

Another use of "ya" in Spain is "I understand," said after someone is told something. However in the Americas, it´s more common to say "Así es."

Gracias Julian, I didn't know that. :) - shama807, May 22, 2012

Answer 6

My favorite way to use it..... "ya bastante"....enough already.... good luck and welcome to the forum!

thanks jason. I was forced to come here to get some reputation to be able to use the chat again, but I like it it's fun and I learn sth.lol - shama807, Mar 2, 2012

Answer 7

Hello

I am new to the forum sorry. I'm wrong on this. - Aluko_Cleiten_Sach, May 22, 2012

¡Hola! Bienvenido otra vez. :) - shama807, May 22, 2012