aunvsaún
/OWN/
/ah-OON/
💡 Quick Rule
Aún (accent) = 'still'/'yet' (todavía). Aun (no accent) = 'even' (incluso).
The accent mark (tilde) is like a little clock hand, reminding you it's about time (still, yet).
- The phrase 'aun así' means 'even so' and doesn't take an accent.
📊 Comparison Table
| Context | aun | aún | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Meaning | Aun mi hermano lo sabe. | Mi hermano aún no lo sabe. | Aun = 'Even' my brother knows (inclusion). Aún = My brother 'still' doesn't know (time). |
| Negative Sentences | Ni aun con tu ayuda pude. | Aún no puedo hacerlo. | Aun for 'not even'. Aún for 'not yet' or 'still not'. |
| Intensifying | Aun así, no me gusta. | Me gusta aún más. | Aun (in 'aun así') means 'even so'. Aún intensifies an adjective, meaning 'even more'. |
| Question Test | Can it be replaced by 'incluso'? | Can it be replaced by 'todavía'? | This is the best test. If 'incluso' (even) fits, use 'aun'. If 'todavía' (still/yet) fits, use 'aún'. |
✅ When to Use "aun" / aún
aun
even, including (can be replaced by 'incluso')
/OWN/
Meaning 'even'
Aun los mejores equipos pierden.
Even the best teams lose.
Meaning 'including'
Todos aplaudieron, aun los que no estaban de acuerdo.
Everyone applauded, including those who didn't agree.
With 'cuando' (aun cuando)
Aun cuando llegues tarde, te esperaré.
Even if you arrive late, I will wait for you.
In negative phrases (ni aun)
No me llamó ni aun para mi cumpleaños.
He didn't call me, not even for my birthday.
aún
still, yet (can be replaced by 'todavía')
/ah-OON/
Meaning 'still' (continuation of an action)
¿Aún vives en Madrid?
Do you still live in Madrid?
Meaning 'yet' (in negative sentences)
Aún no he terminado la tarea.
I haven't finished the homework yet.
To intensify a comparison ('even more/less')
Este coche es caro, pero el otro es aún más caro.
This car is expensive, but the other one is even more expensive.
In questions
¿Aún no has comido?
You haven't eaten yet?
🔄 Contrast Examples
With "aun":
Aun el experto se equivocó.
Even the expert was wrong.
With "aún":
El experto aún se equivoca.
The expert is still making mistakes.
The Difference: 'Aun' includes the expert in the group of people who were wrong, highlighting the surprise. 'Aún' implies that the expert continues to make mistakes over time.
With "aun":
Aun con el mapa, se perdió.
Even with the map, he got lost.
With "aún":
Sin el mapa, es aún más difícil.
Without the map, it's even more difficult.
The Difference: 'Aun' means 'despite having' or 'including' the map. 'Aún' is used to intensify 'más' (more), meaning 'still more' or 'even more' difficult.
🎨 Visual Comparison
Split-screen comparing aun (inclusion, a group of people) and aún (time, a clock).
Aun = even/including (think of a group). Aún = still/yet (think of a clock).
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Aun estoy esperando.
Aún estoy esperando.
Because it means 'I am still waiting' (todavía), it needs the accent. 'Aun' would mean 'Even I am waiting', which is a different context.
Aún los niños pueden hacerlo.
Aun los niños pueden hacerlo.
Here, the meaning is 'Even children can do it' (incluso). It's about inclusion, not time, so it doesn't take an accent.
No he terminado aun.
No he terminado aún.
The meaning is 'I haven't finished yet' (todavía no). This is a time-related concept, so 'aún' with the accent is required.
📚 Related Grammar
Want to understand the grammar behind this pair? Explore these lessons for a deep dive:
🏷️ Key Words
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: aun vs aún
Question 1 of 3
Choose the correct word: '___ los ciegos pueden ver que eso es un error.'
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a big mistake if I forget the accent?
It can be. While people will often understand you from context, it can change the meaning of your sentence. 'Aun Juan vino' (Even Juan came) is very different from 'Aún Juan vino' (which is grammatically strange but implies 'Juan still came'). The best way to avoid confusion is to use the 'todavía/incluso' test.
Can I just use 'todavía' and 'incluso' instead?
Absolutely! If you're ever in doubt, replacing 'aún' with 'todavía' (still/yet) and 'aun' with 'incluso' (even) is a perfectly safe and clear way to express yourself. Many native speakers do this in everyday conversation.
I've seen 'aun así'. Which one is that?
That's a great question! The set phrase 'aun así' means 'even so' or 'still' (in the sense of 'nevertheless'). It's an exception to the rule and is always written without the accent mark. For example: 'Llovía mucho, y aun así, salimos a pasear.' (It was raining a lot, and even so, we went out for a walk).