In Spanish, «todavía» is a versatile adverb that can be translated to English as «still» or «yet» depending on the context. It is commonly used to express the continuation of an action, a situation that has not changed, or the expectation of something happening in the future. This post will provide a comprehensive overview of «todavía,» including its uses, nuances, and examples to help you grasp its meaning and application.

Uses of «Todavía»

1- Indicating Continuation («Still»)

When «todavía» is used to indicate that an action or situation is continuing from the past into the present, it can be translated as «still.»

Example: 

     – Spanish: Todavía estoy estudiando.

     – English: I am still studying.

2- Expressing Something Not Happening Yet («Yet»)

«Todavía» can also be used to convey that something has not happened up to the present moment, implying that it is expected to happen in the future. In this case, it is often translated as «yet.»

Example: 

     – Spanish: Todavía no he terminado mi tarea.

     – English: I haven’t finished my homework yet.

3- Emphasizing Continuation Despite Expectations

Sometimes, «todavía» is used to stress that an action or situation is continuing despite expectations to the contrary.

Example: 

     – Spanish: A pesar de la tormenta, todavía salimos a caminar.

     – English: Despite the storm, we still went for a walk.

4- Combining with Negation

«Todavía» is frequently used with negation to emphasize that something has not happened up to the current moment but might happen in the future.

Example: 

     – Spanish: Todavía no han llegado.

     – English: They haven’t arrived yet.

5- Conveying Persistence or Patience

It can also convey a sense of persistence or patience in continuing an action or waiting for something.

Example: 

     – Spanish: Todavía estoy esperando tu respuesta.

     – English: I am still waiting for your reply.

Nuances and Special Cases

1- «Todavía» vs. «Aún»

«Todavía» and «aún» can often be used interchangeably when meaning «still» or «yet.» However, «todavía» is generally more common and slightly less formal than «aún.»

Example: 

     – Spanish: Todavía/Aún no he visto esa película.

     – English: I haven’t seen that movie yet.

2- Position in the Sentence

«Todavía» can appear at different positions in a sentence, often at the beginning or before the verb. The placement can slightly change the emphasis but not the overall meaning.

Example:

     – Spanish: Todavía está lloviendo.

     – English: It is still raining.

     – Spanish: Está lloviendo todavía.

     – English: It is still raining.

3- Intensifying Expressions

To emphasize the persistence or continuity even more, «todavía» can be combined with words like «más» (more) or «aún» (even).

Example:

     – Spanish: Todavía más impresionante.

     – English: Even more impressive.

     – Spanish: Todavía mejor.

     – English: Even better.

Practical Examples

1- Daily Routine

   – Spanish: Todavía no me he cepillado los dientes.

   – English: I haven’t brushed my teeth yet.

2- Weather

   – Spanish: Todavía hace frío en la mañana.

   – English: It’s still cold in the morning.

3- Work and Study

   – Spanish: Todavía estoy trabajando en el proyecto.

   – English: I am still working on the project.

4- Travel

   – Spanish: Todavía no hemos decidido a dónde ir de vacaciones.

   – English: We haven’t decided where to go on vacation yet.

5- Health and Well-being

   – Spanish: Todavía me siento cansado después del ejercicio.

   – English: I still feel tired after the exercise.

Remember that «todavía» can mean «still» or «yet» depending on the context, and practice using it in different sentences to become more comfortable with its application. With time and practice, «todavía» will become a natural part of your Spanish vocabulary.