ya mismo
Lemma Details
Translation: right now; right away; immediately; this very moment
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'ya' (already, now), which comes from Latin 'iam' (already, now), with 'mismo' (same, very), from Latin 'metipsimus', an emphatic form of 'ipse' (self). Together they create an expression emphasizing immediacy. The construction parallels English phrases like 'right now' or 'this very moment' where an intensifier reinforces the temporal urgency.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral to informal
Mnemonics
- Think of 'ya' as 'now' and 'mismo' as 'exactly' – so it's 'exactly now'
- Remember that 'mismo' intensifies 'ya' just like 'very' intensifies 'right now' in English
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This expression is particularly common in Latin American Spanish, especially in Argentina, Colombia, and other South American countries. In Spain, 'ahora mismo' might be more commonly used for the same meaning. The phrase conveys a sense of urgency and immediacy that is culturally important in Spanish-speaking contexts where promptness can be emphasized differently than in English-speaking cultures.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'right now', 'ya mismo' often carries a stronger sense of immediacy and is more common in Latin American Spanish, whereas 'ahora mismo' is more widely used across all Spanish-speaking regions.
Notes: In some contexts, they can be used interchangeably, but 'ya mismo' often implies something happening immediately or very soon, while 'ahora mismo' can sometimes just refer to the current moment.
Mnemonic: 'Ya' has a sense of urgency that 'ahora' sometimes lacks.
Explanation: 'Ya' alone means 'already' or 'now' but lacks the emphasis and immediacy that 'ya mismo' conveys.
Confused word:
Ya terminé mi trabajo.
I've already finished my work.
Notes: 'Ya' can indicate something has already happened or is happening now, while 'ya mismo' specifically emphasizes immediate action or occurrence.
Mnemonic: Think of 'mismo' as adding an exclamation point to 'ya'!