ya
adverbCEFR A1High frequency
What does “ya” mean in English?
already
Example sentences
Ya he comido.
I've already eaten.
Ya vienen.
They're coming now.
Ya, entiendo.
I see, I understand.
How to use it
Ya means 'already' (with past), 'now' (with present), or as a discourse marker. Versatile. Context decides the sense.
Common mistake
Ya is highly polysemic — translation depends on context: 'already' (past), 'now / right away' (present), 'I see / OK' (discourse). Listen carefully to context.