Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Still in Spanish
Todavía · adverb · toh-dah-VEE-ah
The Spanish word for still (as in 'continuing to this moment') is 'todavía' or its synonym 'aún.' When 'still' means 'not moving,' the Spanish equivalent is 'quieto.' Understanding which meaning applies is key to choosing the right translation.
Pronounce 'todavía' as toh-dah-VEE-ah, with the stress on the third syllable. The accent mark on the 'i' breaks the natural diphthong.
Todavía estoy esperando el autobús.
I am still waiting for the bus.
still in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for still, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| todavía | still | toh-dah-VEE-ah | Default, widely understood |
| aún | still | synonym, all regions | |
| quieto | still | still as in not moving |
How Native Speakers Use Todavía
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Continuing action
¿Todavía vives en Madrid?
Do you still live in Madrid?
Asking if a situation persists.
Not yet finished
Aún no he terminado el proyecto.
I still haven't finished the project.
Expressing that something remains incomplete.
Stay still
Quédate quieto mientras te tomo la foto.
Stay still while I take your photo.
Asking someone not to move.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Todavía
Using 'todavía' for physical stillness
Incorrect: ¡Todavía! No te muevas.
Correct: ¡Quieto! No te muevas.
'Todavía' means still in the sense of 'continuing,' not 'motionless.' For physical stillness, use 'quieto.'
Forgetting the accent on 'aún'
Incorrect: Aun no ha llegado (meaning still).
Correct: Aún no ha llegado.
Without the accent, 'aun' means 'even,' while 'aún' (with accent) means 'still' or 'yet' — the accent changes the meaning entirely.
Lock in still Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Todavía used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using todavía in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Todavía estoy esperando el autobús. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About still in Spanish
- What is the difference between 'todavía' and 'aún'?
- Both 'todavía' and 'aún' mean 'still' or 'yet' and can be used interchangeably in most contexts, though 'aún' is slightly more literary and 'todavía' more colloquial.
- How do you use 'todavía no' in Spanish?
- The phrase 'todavía no' means 'not yet' and is placed before the verb, as in 'todavía no he comido' (I haven't eaten yet).
- Can 'quieto' be used for objects?
- While 'quieto' is most often directed at people or animals telling them to stay still, for inanimate objects you would use 'inmóvil' or 'sin movimiento' to describe a motionless state.