Introduction
Beginners often hear two similar Spanish phrases that both translate to not yet in English. This article explains the difference between Todavía no and Aún no, shows when to use each one, gives practical examples, and helps you avoid common mistakes in everyday conversations.
- Basic meaning and how they overlap
- When to prefer Todavía no
- When to prefer Aún no
- Grammar tips: placement and stress
- Common beginner contexts and examples
- Useful vocabulary for these phrases
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Practice exercises for learners
- Tips for remembering the difference
- Quick reference: when to use each
- More examples in simple contexts
- Conclusion
Basic meaning and how they overlap
Both Todavía no and Aún no express that something has not happened up to the present moment but may happen later. In most situations they are interchangeable and a Spanish speaker will understand either one. For beginners, it is helpful to know subtle tendencies and common collocations to sound natural.
Direct translations and nuance
Todavía no literally suggests continuity from the past to the present: something remains undone. Todavía no often appears in everyday speech and is slightly more neutral.
Aún no is similar and also common. Aún no sometimes feels a little more formal or literary, but in spoken Latin American Spanish the difference is small. Use either one when saying not yet, then choose based on rhythm or personal habit.
When to prefer Todavía no
Beginners will hear Todavía no frequently in informal settings. It pairs naturally with present tense verbs and with expressions about habits, ongoing situations, or repeated actions.
Examples a beginner might use or see:
¿Ya comiste?
No, todavía no.
¿Está listo el pedido?
No, todavía no. Llegará en diez minutos.
No he terminado la tarea, todavía no.
Key notes:
Todavía no is common in simple questions and replies. It sounds natural at a café, in class, or when texting a friend.
When to prefer Aún no
Aún no works well in many of the same situations but is often used where a slightly more emphatic or formal tone fits. You might find aún no more in written communication, signs, or notices, but speakers use it in conversation too.
Simple examples you will encounter:
La factura aún no ha llegado.
El paquete aún no está en la tienda.
Respondo el correo aún no, dame cinco minutos.
Key notes:
Use aún no when you want a slightly more measured or formal tone, such as when speaking with a teacher or writing an email.
Grammar tips: placement and stress
Both Todavía and Aún are adverbs. The negative no usually follows the adverb to form the phrase meaning not yet, but word order can change based on emphasis.
Typical order in short answers:
No, todavía no.
No, aún no.
Before the verb for emphasis:
Todavía no estudio para el examen.
Aún no terminé el proyecto.
You can also place the adverb after the verb:
No terminé todavía.
No llegué aún.
Pronunciation tip: When speaking quickly, todavía no often flows naturally; aún no is shorter and can be easier to fit in fast replies.
Common beginner contexts and examples
Here are scenarios a learner will actually face, with short realistic dialogues and useful vocabulary.
At a restaurant
Mesero: ¿Ya están listos para pedir?
Cliente: No, todavía no. Necesitamos un minuto más.
At school
Profesor: ¿La tarea está lista?
Estudiante: No, aún no. La terminaré esta noche.
Text message
Amigo: ¿Dónde estás?
Tú: Salgo en cinco minutos, todavía no.
Customer service
Cliente: ¿Mi pedido llegó?
Empleado: No, aún no. El envío está en camino.
Useful vocabulary for these phrases
todavía — still, yet
aún — still, yet
no — no, not
llegar — to arrive
terminar — to finish
listo — ready
pedido — order
tarea — homework, task
Short phrase bank for quick practice
No, todavía no.
No, aún no.
Todavía no puedo.
Aún no lo sé.
Todavía no llegó.
Aún no está listo.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Mistake 1: Mixing with synonyms incorrectly. Some learners try to swap in other adverbs like ya without understanding the opposite meaning. Remember the contrast:
Todavía no or aún no means not yet.
Ya means already.
Example:
¿Ya comiste? — Sí, ya comí.
¿Comiste? — No, todavía no.
Mistake 2: Using no twice unnecessarily. Beginners sometimes say no todavía no no. Only use one no in short answers: No, todavía no.
Mistake 3: Overthinking formality. Both phrases are safe for beginners; choose based on rhythm or personal style rather than stressing about correctness.
Practice exercises for learners
Exercise 1: Fill in the blank with todavía no or aún no.
1. ¿Llegó el paquete? — No, ________.
2. ¿Terminaste la tarea? — ________.
3. ¿Respondió tu jefe? — No, ________.
Answers:
1. Todavía no or Aún no.
2. Todavía no or Aún no.
3. Todavía no or Aún no.
Exercise 2: Rewrite each sentence switching phrases to sound natural.
Original: No, todavía no.
Rewrite: No, aún no.
Original: Aún no tengo dinero.
Rewrite: Todavía no tengo dinero.
Tips for remembering the difference
1. Think of Todavía as the everyday, friendly option you will hear in casual conversation.
2. Think of Aún as slightly more formal or concise; it is useful in writing or when you want a compact reply.
3. Practice short replies with both forms in texting and speaking so they become natural alternatives.
Quick reference: when to use each
Todavía no — everyday speech, neutral tone, common in spoken replies.
Aún no — slightly formal, concise, common in writing and measured speech.
More examples in simple contexts
Bus schedule
Autobús 5:00 — Llegada: aún no.
At a store
Cliente: ¿Hay tallas pequeñas?
Empleado: Todavía no, vienen más mañana.
Household
¿Lavaste los platos?
No, aún no, los hago ahora.
Conclusion
Both Todavía no and Aún no mean not yet and are understood throughout Latin America. For beginners, use todavía no in everyday casual replies and aún no when you want a slightly more formal or concise tone. Practice with the short phrases and dialogues here to build confidence and natural usage.
