ya veremos
Lemma Details
Translation: we'll see; time will tell; let's wait and see
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines 'ya' (already, now) from Latin 'iam' (already, now) and 'veremos' (we will see), which is the first-person plural future tense of the verb 'ver' (to see). 'Ver' comes from Latin 'videre' (to see), which is related to English words like 'vision', 'video', and 'evident'. The phrase literally means 'we will already see' but functions as an expression of uncertainty or postponed judgment.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
—¿Me comprarás un helado? —Ya veremos.
—Will you buy me an ice cream? —We'll see.
Dice que va a cambiar, pero ya veremos si cumple su promesa.
He says he's going to change, but we'll see if he keeps his promise.
Ya veremos qué pasa con la economía después de las elecciones.
We'll see what happens with the economy after the elections.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'ya' as 'yet' and 'veremos' as 'we will verify' – 'yet we will verify' or 'we'll see about that'
- Connect 'ver' with 'verify' – both involve confirming something through observation
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is extremely common in Spanish-speaking cultures and often reflects a non-committal attitude or healthy skepticism. It can be used both positively (suggesting openness to possibilities) or negatively (expressing doubt). It's frequently used by parents responding to children's requests or by people avoiding making firm commitments.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'ya veremos' means 'we'll see' (future uncertainty), 'ya veo' means 'I see' or 'I understand' (present comprehension).
This word:
No estoy seguro si iré a la fiesta, ya veremos.
I'm not sure if I'll go to the party, we'll see.
Notes: 'Ya veo' acknowledges current understanding, while 'ya veremos' postpones judgment to the future.
Mnemonic: 'Veremos' ends with '-mos' indicating 'we', while 'veo' is singular 'I'.
Explanation: 'Ya veremos' expresses future uncertainty, while 'a ver' is used to request to see something or as a filler phrase meaning 'let's see'.
Confused word:
A ver, muéstrame tu tarea.
Let's see, show me your homework.
Notes: 'A ver' often initiates an immediate action or request, while 'ya veremos' delays a decision.
Mnemonic: 'A ver' is immediate (show me now), while 'ya veremos' pushes the decision to the future.