Ainda vs. Já: Say ‘Still,’ ‘Already,’ and ‘Yet’ in Portuguese — Practice

Use ainda for something that continues or has not happened yet

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.

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.

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.

Remember: 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.

Check your understanding

Choose the English meaning of each Portuguese example. Answer before looking back at the tables. These questions check the written examples in this guide; they are not a listening or proficiency test.

Recall the Portuguese, then say it

Read the English prompt and say a Portuguese version before opening the answer. The answer shows the example from the lesson; other natural translations may also work. Compare the meaning and the situation rather than counting a different word as automatically wrong.

1. Do you still work at that café?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Você ainda trabalha naquele café?

2. I haven’t received the message yet.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Ainda não recebi a mensagem.

3. They’re still waiting for the result.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Eles ainda estão esperando o resultado.

4. Have you ordered dessert yet?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Você já pediu a sobremesa?

5. I’ve already paid the bill.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Já paguei a conta.

6. Not yet; I’m going to order now.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Ainda não, vou pedir agora.

Make the phrase useful to you

Choose one example you could actually use. Say it once from memory, then change one detail that fits your life, such as the person, place, time, or object. Check whether your change also needs a different verb form, article, or adjective ending. If it does, compare it with the pattern in the explanation.

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.

Return to two prompts tomorrow without opening the answers first. If a phrase still feels difficult, shorten it to a useful chunk and build the complete sentence again.

Sources and your next lesson

This I Speak Portuguese practice guide builds on our Ainda vs. Já: Say ‘Still,’ ‘Already,’ and ‘Yet’ in Portuguese lesson on Real Life Portuguese, with written recall tasks and additional speaking practice. The explanations and examples are teaching material; the practice questions are exercises, not a transcript of a recording.

To add Brazilian audio to your routine, choose a lesson in the Real Life Portuguese app. The app offers its own lessons and practice; this page does not imply that every example here has an app recording.