todavíavsaún
/toh-dah-VEE-ah/
/ah-OON/
💡 Quick Rule
They are almost always interchangeable for 'still' or 'yet'. Only 'aún' can also mean 'even'.
Think: 'Todavía' is the 'totally' normal one for 'still'. 'Aún' Adds 'A-nother' meaning: 'even'.
- When making a comparison (e.g., 'even better'), you must use 'aún'.
📊 Comparison Table
| Context | todavía | aún | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing Action ('still') | Todavía llueve. | Aún llueve. | Perfectly interchangeable. 'Todavía' is slightly more common in everyday conversation. |
| Not Yet (in negative sentences) | No lo sé todavía. | No lo sé aún. | Both mean 'I don't know yet' and are completely interchangeable. |
| Comparison ('even') | (Incorrect Use) | La película fue aún mejor. | Only 'aún' can mean 'even'. You cannot use 'todavía' to make this kind of comparison. |
| Formality | Common in speech. | Slightly more formal/literary. | When used for 'still', 'aún' can feel a bit more poetic or formal than the everyday 'todavía'. |
✅ When to Use "todavía" / aún
todavía
Still, yet. Used to say an action or state continues into the present, or hasn't happened yet.
/toh-dah-VEE-ah/
Something is still happening
Todavía estoy esperando el autobús.
I'm still waiting for the bus.
Something hasn't happened yet (negative)
Todavía no he terminado mi café.
I haven't finished my coffee yet.
Expressing surprise that something continues
¿Todavía trabajas allí?
You still work there?
aún
Still, yet, even. Interchangeable with 'todavía' for 'still/yet', but also used for emphasis or comparison.
/ah-OON/
Something is still happening (like todavía)
Aún estoy esperando el autobús.
I'm still waiting for the bus.
Something hasn't happened yet (like todavía)
Aún no he terminado mi café.
I haven't finished my coffee yet.
To mean 'even' (for comparison)
Ella es inteligente, pero su hermana es aún más inteligente.
She is smart, but her sister is even smarter.
🔄 Contrast Examples
With "todavía":
Todavía te quiero.
I still love you.
With "aún":
Aún te quiero.
I still love you.
The Difference: For the meaning of 'still', these are perfect synonyms. 'Todavía' is the most common choice in daily conversation, while 'aún' can sound a little more intense or literary.
With "todavía":
(not possible)
(not possible)
With "aún":
Si te gustó el libro, la película es aún mejor.
If you liked the book, the movie is even better.
The Difference: This is the most important difference. Only 'aún' can be used to mean 'even' for making comparisons. Using 'todavía' here would be incorrect.
🎨 Visual Comparison
A split-screen showing 'todavía/aún (still)' as a clock with a moving hand, and 'aún (even)' as a scale with one side heavier.
'Todavía' and 'aún' both mean 'still'. But only 'aún' can also mean 'even' for making comparisons.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
El problema es todavía más complicado.
El problema es aún más complicado.
When you mean 'even more complicated', you must use 'aún'. 'Todavía' can't be used for this kind of emphasis.
Aun no lo creo.
Aún no lo creo.
Pay attention to the accent! 'Aún' with an accent means 'still' or 'yet'. 'Aun' without an accent means 'even' in a different sense (like 'even if' - 'aun si') and is less common.
📚 Related Grammar
Want to understand the grammar behind this pair? Explore these lessons for a deep dive:
🏷️ Key Words
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: Todavía vs Aún
Question 1 of 2
Which word fits here? 'Mi hermano es alto, pero yo soy ___ más alto.'
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
So are 'todavía' and 'aún' basically the same?
For 'still' and 'yet', yes, they are synonyms and you can use whichever you prefer. 'Todavía' is a bit more common in everyday speech. The only time you *must* choose is when you mean 'even' — then you have to use 'aún'.
What about 'aun' without an accent mark?
Good question! 'Aun' without an accent also means 'even', but it's used differently, often like 'even though' ('aun cuando') or 'including'. It's less common, and for now, the most important thing to remember is 'aún' (with an accent) means 'still', 'yet', or 'even' (for comparison).