vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Descubrir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to discover", and "ya" is an adverb which is often translated as "already". Learn more about the difference between "descubrir" and "ya" below.
descubrir(
dehs
-
koo
-
breer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to unearth)
a. to discover
Descubrieron una cueva en la montaña durante la excursión.They discovered a cave in the mountain during their trip.
b. to find
Isaac descubrió un tesoro enterrado en el jardín de su abuelo.Isaac found a buried treasure in his grandfather's garden.
2. (to uncover)
a. to find out
He descubierto que van a despedir a la secretaria.I've found out that the secretary is going to be fired.
b. to discover
Hugo descubrió que su esposa tuvo un amorío con su socio.Hugo discovered that his wife had an affair with his partner.
b. to uncover
La policía descubrió el complot de atracar el banco justo a tiempo.The police uncovered the plot to rob the bank just in time.
4. (to expose)
a. to uncover
En su cultura no puede descubrir la cara si está en la presencia de hombres que no sean familiares.In her culture, she can't uncover her face if she's in the presence of men who are not relatives.
b. to take the lid off
Descubre la olla antes de que hierva.Take the lid off the pot before it boils.
c. to unveil
Descubrieron una estatua en la ceremonia inaugural.They unveiled a statue at the opening ceremony.
a. to give away
¡No nos descubran! Estamos preparando una fiesta sorpresa para Imelda.Don't give us away! We're organizing a surprise party for Imelda.
a. to reveal
La luz de la luna descubrió el contorno de la montaña en la distancia.The moonlight revealed the outline of the mountain in the distance.
descubrirse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to uncover
La novia se descubrió el rostro para besarle al novio. The bride uncovered her face to kiss the groom.
b. to bare
Esteban se descubrió la espalda para enseñar su tatuaje.Estaban bared his back to show his tatoo.
a. to give oneself away
Mi hermano intentó asustarme, pero se descubrió al reírse. My brother tried to scare me, but he gave himself away by laughing.
ya(
yah
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
"¡Ya voy!", dijo David al escuchar el timbre."I'm coming!" said David when he heard the doorbell.
Tengo que ir a hacer una llamada. Ya vengo.I have to go make a phone call. I'll be right back.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Perdón, pero ya conseguí una pareja de baile. - Ya veo.I'm sorry, but I already found a dance partner. - I see.
Me las vas a pagar. Ya vas a ver.You're going to pay for that. Just wait and see.
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
a. whether
Mis fans siempre me apoyaron, ya en las buenas, ya en las malas.My fans always supported me, whether in good times or in bad times.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
8. (colloquial) (used to express annoyance) (Bolivia) (Mexico) (Nicaragua)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Bolivia
Regionalism used in Mexico
Regionalism used in Nicaragua
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Ya, dejen de pelear.Hey, stop fighting.
¡Ya! Intento concentrarme.Knock it off! I'm trying to focus.
