ya está
Lemma Details
Translation: that's it; that's enough; it's done; there you go; that's all
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines two common Spanish words: 'ya' (already, now) which comes from Latin 'iam' meaning 'now, already', and 'está', the third-person singular present form of 'estar' (to be), which derives from Latin 'stare' meaning 'to stand'. Together they form an idiomatic expression indicating completion or sufficiency.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'ya' as 'yep' and 'está' as 'it's there' - 'Yep, it's there!' meaning it's done or complete.
- Imagine saying 'Yeah! It's standing!' (estar = to stand) when you've finished building something.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is extremely common in everyday Spanish conversation. It's used to indicate completion of a task, to signal that something is sufficient, or to express that a situation has been resolved. It's often accompanied by a sense of finality or satisfaction.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Ya' alone means 'already' or 'now', while 'ya está' is a complete phrase indicating completion or sufficiency.
Confused word:
Ya he comido.
I have already eaten.
Notes: 'Ya' can be used in many contexts beyond 'ya está', such as 'ya veo' (I see now) or 'ya entiendo' (I understand now).
Mnemonic: 'Ya' is just the start, but 'ya está' completes the thought.
Explanation: 'Ahí está' means 'there it is' (pointing out location), while 'ya está' indicates completion or sufficiency.
Confused word:
Ahí está tu libro.
There is your book.
Notes: Both phrases use 'está' but with different adverbs that change the meaning completely.
Mnemonic: Think of 'ya' as time-related (now it's done) and 'ahí' as space-related (there it is).