Spanish examples for “Todavía no sé” in simple replies

Introduction

Learning how to respond to the simple Spanish phrase meaning I still do not know is a key skill for beginners. This article explains useful short replies, vocabulary, and real-life examples that a learner can use in conversations, messages, and classroom situations.

What does Todavía no sé mean?

The phrase Todavía no sé is a common way to say I still don’t know in Spanish. It combines todavía meaning still or yet and no sé meaning I don’t know. This phrase is useful for short, polite answers when you need more time or information.

Breakdown of the words

Todavía — expresses that a situation is ongoing or unresolved, similar to still or yet in English.

todavía is often interchangeable with aún in many contexts, but beginners can start with todavía.

No — basic negation in Spanish, used before verbs to make them negative.

Sé — first person singular present of the verb saber, meaning to know.

Short, natural replies using Todavía no sé

Here are practical short responses you can use when someone asks a question and you don’t have the answer yet. Each example shows the Spanish phrase and a brief English note on when to use it.

Todavía no sé — I still don’t know. A neutral, direct response.

todavía no sé can be used in work, school, or casual conversation.

No sé todavía — I don’t know yet. Same meaning, slightly different word order often used in speech.

No lo sé aún — I don’t know it yet. Emphasizes the specific thing asked about.

no lo sé aún is polite and slightly formal when answering questions.

Por ahora, no sé — For now, I don’t know. Use this when you expect the situation to change soon.

No tengo la respuesta todavía — I don’t have the answer yet. Useful in formal or written contexts.

Everyday contexts and sample dialogues

Below are beginner-friendly dialogues showing how to use Todavía no sé in real situations. Each dialogue is short and realistic.

At school:

Profesor: ¿Cuándo será el examen?

Alumno: Todavía no sé.

Work or scheduling:

Compañero: ¿Vendrás a la reunión mañana?

Tú: No sé todavía. Tengo que confirmar con mi jefe.

Making plans with a friend:

Amigo: ¿A qué hora nos vemos el sábado?

Tú: Por ahora, no sé. Te aviso mañana.

Responding to a question about availability:

Recepcionista: ¿A qué hora puede recoger su pedido?

Cliente: No tengo la respuesta todavía. ¿Puedo llamar en media hora?

Short variations for texting and casual speech

Texting and casual speak often use shorter or abbreviated forms. These are common and acceptable for beginners to learn.

Todavía no — short and common. It omits sé but the meaning remains clear in context.

No sé — simple and quick. Use when time is short or for informal chats.

Ya te digo — I will tell you later. Not literally the same as todavía no sé, but useful when you promise to update the person.

Texting examples

Message from a friend: ¿Traes las entradas?

Your reply: Todavía no. Voy a buscarlas.

Message about plans: ¿Vienes mañana?

Your reply: No sé, te confirmo después.

Useful vocabulary related to not knowing yet

Learning a few related words helps you vary your replies and understand responses from others.

Aún — still/yet. Often interchangeable with todavía.

Quizás — maybe. Shows uncertainty when you might know in the future.

Más tarde — later. Use to indicate a future time when you will have the answer.

Después — after/afterwards. Simple way to promise to follow up.

Confirmar — to confirm. Useful in scheduling and services.

Consultar — to check or consult. Use when you need to ask someone else before answering.

How to expand your reply politely

Beginners often need short, polite additions to Todavía no sé to sound natural and respectful. These additions give context and avoid sounding abrupt.

Use porque to explain why: Todavía no sé porque tengo que preguntar. Translation: I still don’t know because I need to ask.

Use voy a to add an action: Todavía no sé, voy a confirmar. Translation: I still don’t know, I will confirm.

Use te aviso to promise to follow up: No lo sé aún, te aviso cuando sepa. Translation: I don’t know it yet, I’ll tell you when I know.

Beginner tips for pronunciation and use

Pronunciation basics: Todavía stress on the í: to-da-VÍ-a. Sé is pronounced like say but shorter. Practicing these will make your replies clearer.

Tip: Use the phrase naturally in conversation rather than translating word-for-word from English. Many times Spanish speakers will prefer quick replies like no sé or todavía no.

Tip: Combine verbs of action when needed. For example, No sé todavía, voy a llamar a María shows what you will do to get the answer.

Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

Mistake: Adding unnecessary words that change meaning. Incorrect: Todavía no sé nada can sound too absolute; use it only if you truly mean you know nothing else about the topic.

Better: Use Todavía no sé or add a short reason.

Mistake: Using the wrong verb. Beginners sometimes use conocer instead of saber. Remember that sé comes from saber and is used for facts or information. For example, Todavía no sé la hora is correct; Todavía no conozco la hora sounds odd.

Mistake: Forgetting politeness. In formal settings add a polite phrase: Disculpe, aún no tengo la información. Translation: Excuse me, I still do not have the information.

Practice exercises for beginners

Exercise 1: Fill in the blank with a natural reply.

Pregunta: ¿Cuándo es la cita?

Respuesta: ________

Suggested answer: Todavía no sé or No sé todavía.

Exercise 2: Short role play. You are at a café and the barista asks if you know your order time.

Barista: ¿Ya sabe su número?

You: ________

Suggested answer: No lo sé aún, te aviso cuando llegue.

Exercise 3: Text message scenario. Your friend asks if you can join a trip. Write a short reply using todavía and a follow-up action.

Example: Todavía no sé, voy a hablar con mi jefe.

More examples with context and translations

Airport check-in: Recepcionista: ¿Su horario de llegada?

Pasajero: Todavía no sé, mi vuelo puede cambiar.

Translation: I still don’t know, my flight may change.

Family planning: Hermano: ¿Cuántos invitados vendrán?

Tú: No sé todavía. Tengo que confirmar con mi mamá.

Translation: I don’t know yet. I need to confirm with my mom.

Job interview follow-up: Entrevistador: ¿Puede incorporarse la próxima semana?

Postulante: Por ahora, no sé. Necesito arreglar unos asuntos personales.

Translation: For now, I don’t know. I need to sort out some personal matters.

Quick cheat sheet for common replies

Direct: Todavía no sé

Casual: No sé

Specific: No lo sé aún

Polite/formal: No tengo la respuesta todavía

Promise to follow up: Te aviso cuando sepa

Conclusion

Mastering short replies like Todavía no sé helps beginners communicate uncertainty naturally and politely. Use the sample dialogues, vocabulary, and tips to practice in real situations such as school, work, texts, and customer service. With a few simple variations you can respond clearly, give context, and promise follow-up information when needed.