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"Ya" is an adverb which is often translated as "already", and "lo" is a pronoun which is often translated as "it". Learn more about the difference between "ya" and "lo" below.
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.
lo(
loh
)A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
a. it
¿Qué hago con el lomo de cerdo? - Cocínalo despacio.What should I do with the pork loin? - Cook it slowly.
b. him
¿Te dije que me encontré a Jonás durante las vacaciones? Lo vi en Roma.Did I tell you I bumped into Jonas over break? I saw him in Rome.
c. you
Lo admiro, señor Presidente. Usted es todo un héroe para este país.I admire you, Mr. President. You're a hero to this country.
2. (possessive)
A definite article is a word that identifies a noun as specific or known to the speaker (e.g., the girl).
a. no direct translation (before an adjective)
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Lo raro es que nunca he visto a Bruce durante el día.The weird thing is that I've never seen Bruce during the day.
No te puedes imaginar lo increíble que es Palenque.You can't imagine how incredible Palenque is.
