how to say still in spanish

Daniel Parker

2 min read

·

19-01-2025

1

0

Share

The English word "still" has multiple meanings and translations in Spanish, depending on the context. This guide will explore the various ways to express "still" in Spanish, ensuring you choose the most accurate translation for your situation.

Different Meanings of "Still" and Their Spanish Equivalents

The word "still" can convey several meanings, each requiring a different Spanish translation. Let's break them down:

1. "Still" as in "Unmoving" or "Motionless"

• Spanish: quieto/a, inmóvil, parado/a

These words describe something that is not moving. The choice depends slightly on gender and context. Quieto/a is generally the most common and versatile.

• Example: "The car is still." > "El coche está quieto." (The car is still/unmoving).

2. "Still" as in "Continuing" or "Despite Something"

• Spanish: todavía, aún, siguen

These words indicate that an action or state persists. Todavia and aún are generally interchangeable, although todavía is slightly more common in modern Spanish. Siguen is used when referring to a continuing action by a plural subject.

• Example: "It's still raining." > "Todavía está lloviendo." (It's still raining).
• Example: "They are still working." > "Ellos siguen trabajando." (They are still working).

3. "Still" as in "Even Now" or "Up to the Present"

• Spanish: todavía, aún

This usage emphasizes the continuation of something up to the current moment. Again, todavía and aún are very similar in meaning here.

• Example: "He's still my best friend." > "Él todavía es mi mejor amigo." (He's still my best friend).

4. "Still" as in "Quiet" or "Calm"

• Spanish: tranquilo/a, calmado/a, sereno/a

These words express a state of calmness or quietude. The choice depends on the level of quietness and the gender of the subject.

• Example: "Be still!" > "¡Estate quieto!" (Be still! - literally "Be quiet!") or "¡Quédate tranquilo!" (Be still! - literally "Stay calm!")

5. "Still" in Questions

When used in questions, "still" often requires a different approach. Consider the context:

• Example: "Are you still hungry?" > "¿Todavía tienes hambre?" (Are you still hungry?)
• Example: "Is the movie still playing?" > "¿Sigue la película?" (Is the movie still playing?)

Choosing the Right Translation: A Closer Look

The best way to determine which Spanish word to use is to carefully consider the context of the sentence. Think about what "still" means in your specific sentence. Is it indicating continuation, stillness, or something else?

Here's a table summarizing the different uses and their translations:

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to master these nuances is through practice. Try using these different translations in your own sentences. The more you use them, the more natural your Spanish will become. Remember to consider the context and choose the word that best fits the meaning you want to convey. Don't be afraid to experiment and learn from your mistakes. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)