aún
Lemma Details
Translation: still; yet; even
Part of Speech: adverb
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'adhuc' meaning 'until now, still, yet'. The Latin term combines 'ad' (to) and 'huc' (here), literally meaning 'to this point'. This evolution shows how the temporal sense of 'up to now' developed in Spanish. The accent mark distinguishes it from 'aun' (without accent) which typically means 'even' in certain contexts.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- The accent mark points UP, reminding you that something is STILL going UP (continuing)
- Think of 'aún' as 'a-oo-n' which sounds a bit like 'until now'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Used frequently in everyday Spanish conversation to express continuation of actions or states. The distinction between 'aún' (with accent) and 'aun' (without accent) is important in formal writing but often overlooked in casual conversation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Aún' (with accent) generally means 'still' or 'yet' in temporal contexts, while 'aun' (without accent) typically means 'even' in contexts of emphasis or inclusion.
This word:
Aún no ha llegado.
He still hasn't arrived.
Confused word:
Aun los niños lo entienden.
Even the children understand it.
Notes: In practice, many native speakers don't strictly follow this distinction in casual speech, and the context usually clarifies the meaning.
Mnemonic: Think: 'aÚn' has an accent pointing UP like a clock still ticking (temporal), while 'aun' without accent is flat/even (like the meaning 'even').
Explanation: 'Aún' means 'still/yet' while 'aunque' means 'although/even though' and introduces a concessive clause.
This word:
Aún está lloviendo.
It's still raining.
Confused word:
Iré aunque llueva.
I'll go even though it's raining.
Notes: Both words can express concession in different ways, but 'aunque' specifically introduces dependent clauses.
Mnemonic: 'Aunque' has the 'que' ending like many conjunctions that connect clauses.