Ainda vs. Já: Say ‘Still,’ ‘Already,’ and ‘Yet’ in Portuguese
Ainda can mean ‘still’ or ‘yet,’ while já often means ‘already’ or signals that something has happened by now.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Ainda often means ‘still’ when a situation continues: ainda moro aqui (I still live here). In a negative sentence, ainda não usually means ‘not yet’: ainda não terminei (I haven’t finished yet). The word helps you show that the situation remains open at the moment you are speaking.
Use ainda for something that continues or has not happened yet
Place ainda before the verb or verb phrase in a neutral sentence. Spoken emphasis and sentence rhythm can change its position, so begin with this common pattern and notice how people use it around you.
Você ainda trabalha naquele café?
Do you still work at that café?
Ainda não recebi a mensagem.
I haven’t received the message yet.
Eles ainda estão esperando o resultado.
They’re still waiting for the result.
Use já when something has happened by now
Já commonly means ‘already’ or ‘by now’: já almocei (I’ve already had lunch). It also appears in questions about whether something has happened: você já conhece Brasília? (Have you been to Brasília yet?). The exact English translation depends on the question and context.
Compare the time status in each answer: já terminei says the task is done; ainda não terminei says it remains unfinished. These short replies are useful for checking plans without translating each word literally.
Você já pediu a sobremesa?
Have you ordered dessert yet?
Já paguei a conta.
I’ve already paid the bill.
Ainda não, vou pedir agora.
Not yet; I’m going to order now.
Put it into practice
Use ainda for a continuing state or in ainda não (‘not yet’). Use já for something that has happened by now or to ask whether it has happened.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I’ve already paid the bill”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.