What is the difference between "pero", "ya", "todavía", "aún", "mas" in Spanish?

The English word 'yet' can be tricky because it has several Spanish translations, each used in slightly different contexts. Understanding when to use 'aún,' 'todavía,' 'ya,' 'mas,' or 'pero' will greatly improve your fluency.

How to Say "yet" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “yet” is “pero” — use 'pero' when 'but' introduces a contrasting idea, often with a slightly surprising element..

pero🔊A1

Use 'pero' when 'but' introduces a contrasting idea, often with a slightly surprising element.

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ya🔊A1

Use 'ya' in questions to ask if something has happened or is ready, similar to 'already' or 'yet'.

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todavía🔊A1

Use 'todavía' primarily in negative sentences to mean 'not yet' or 'still'.

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aún🔊A2

Use 'aún' in negative sentences, similar to 'todavía,' to mean 'not yet' or 'still'. It can also be used in affirmative sentences to mean 'still'.

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mas🔊C1

Use 'mas' as a more formal synonym for 'pero' (but), introducing a contrasting idea.

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English → Spanish

pero

/peh-roh//'pe.ɾo/

conjunctionA1general

Use 'pero' when 'but' introduces a contrasting idea, often with a slightly surprising element.

A split image with a sunny beach on the left and a rainy city street on the right, representing contrast.

Examples

Me gusta el chocolate, pero no puedo comerlo ahora.

I like chocolate, but I can't eat it now.

La película es buena, pero un poco larga.

The movie is good, but a little long.

Quería salir, pero empezó a llover.

I wanted to go out, but it started to rain.

The Bridge Between Ideas

'Pero' works like a bridge to connect two parts of a sentence. The second part usually adds a contrast, a problem, or an unexpected piece of information to the first part.

Confusing 'Pero' and 'Sino'

Mistake: “No es un perro, pero un gato.”

Correction: No es un perro, sino un gato. (It's not a dog, but rather a cat.) Use 'sino' right after a 'not this...' statement to correct it with a '...but this instead.' Use 'pero' for almost all other 'but' situations, like: 'Es un perro, pero es muy pequeño.' (It's a dog, but it's very small.)

See full entry for “pero” →

ya

/yah//'ʝa/

adverbA1general

Use 'ya' in questions to ask if something has happened or is ready, similar to 'already' or 'yet'.

A runner who has just crossed the finish line, illustrating the concept of 'already' done.

Examples

¿Ya comiste?

Did you eat already?

El tren ya salió.

The train already left.

Ya entiendo.

I understand now.

'Ya' with Past vs. Present

With past actions (like 'comí'), 'ya' means 'already'. With present actions (like 'entiendo'), it often means 'now'.

See full entry for “ya” →

todavía

toh-dah-BEE-ah/toðaˈβia/

adverbA1general

Use 'todavía' primarily in negative sentences to mean 'not yet' or 'still'.

A close-up view of a small puddle on the ground with several raindrops actively splashing into the water, illustrating that the action of rain is continuing.

Examples

No, todavía no estamos listos.

No, we are not ready yet.

¿Están listos? No, todavía no estamos listos.

Are you ready? No, we are not ready yet.

Mi abuela todavía trabaja en su jardín todos los días.

My grandmother still works in her garden every day.

Todavía me duele la rodilla después de la caída.

My knee still hurts after the fall.

Placement

As an adverb, 'todavia' can usually go before the verb or at the beginning/end of the sentence. It's very flexible!

Mixing up 'Todavia' and 'Ya'

Mistake: “Using 'Ya' when you mean 'still' (e.g., 'Ya vivo aquí' instead of 'Todavia vivo aquí').”

Correction: 'Todavia' means the action is ongoing (still). 'Ya' often means the action is completed or changed (already/no longer).

See full entry for “todavía” →

aún

adverbA2general

Use 'aún' in negative sentences, similar to 'todavía,' to mean 'not yet' or 'still'. It can also be used in affirmative sentences to mean 'still'.

Examples

Aún estoy esperando el autobús.

I'm still waiting for the bus.

See full entry for “aún” →

mas

/mahs//mas/

conjunctionC1formal

Use 'mas' as a more formal synonym for 'pero' (but), introducing a contrasting idea.

A winding road suddenly ending at the edge of a deep, dramatic canyon, illustrating the concept of contrast or opposition.

Examples

Quiso ayudar, mas no tenía los medios.

He wanted to help, but he didn't have the means.

Es un camino largo y difícil, mas la recompensa es grande.

It is a long and difficult path, yet the reward is great.

Le advertí del peligro, mas no me escuchó.

I warned him of the danger, but he didn't listen to me.

A Formal or Literary 'But'

Think of 'mas' as a fancy, old-fashioned way to say 'but'. It does the same job as 'pero': it connects two ideas that contrast with each other. You put it between the two contrasting parts of the sentence.

The Accent Mark is Everything!

Mistake: “Me gusta el café, mas sin azúcar.”

Correction: This is technically correct, but very unusual in conversation. Most importantly, do NOT confuse it with 'más'. For example, if you want 'more coffee', saying 'Quiero mas café' is wrong. You MUST say 'Quiero más café'.

See full entry for “mas” →

Confusing 'pero' and 'mas'

Learners often confuse 'pero' and 'mas' because they both mean 'but'. Remember that 'mas' is much less common in everyday speech and is typically used in more formal or literary contexts, while 'pero' is the standard, versatile choice.

Related Translations

but→even→however→still→already→catch→drawback→enough!→

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