Master useful Spanish connectors like "ya" (already), "todavía" (still), "porque" (because), and "además" (besides) to clearly express time, cause, and contrast in conversations and writing.
ConectorUso
Cuando (To indicate time/condition.)Indicar tiempo/condición. (Indicate time/condition.)
Ya (Action occurred or completed)Acción ocurrida o completada (Action that has occurred or been completed)
Todavía (Still)Acción pendiente (Pending action)
Porque (Because)Causa (Cause)
Por eso (That's why)Consecuencia (Consequence)
Pero (But)Contrastar (To contrast)
Además (Furthermore)Agregar información (Add information)

Exceptions!

  1. "Ya": It does not always indicate time; sometimes it is used for emphasis. Example: ¡Ya basta! (Enough!) ⇒ emotion, not time.

Exercise 1: Conectores: ya, además, todavía,...

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

Ya, pero, por eso, Todavía, porque, además, Cuando

1. Añadir:
Mi horario es flexible, y ... tengo la posibilidad de trabajar desde casa.
(My schedule is flexible, and I also have the possibility to work from home.)
2. Tiempo:
... terminé de preparar la organización del evento; ahora estoy tranquilo.
(I have already finished preparing the organisation of the event; now I am calm.)
3. Tiempo/Condición:
... el director ejecutivo habla, todos escuchan con atención.
(When the chief executive speaks, everyone listens attentively.)
4. Tiempo:
... no encuentro un sustituto para mi puesto, pero sigo buscando.
(I still haven't found a replacement for my position, but I am still looking.)
5. Contrastar:
Tengo motivación para aprender, ... me cuesta concentrarme.
(I am motivated to learn, but I find it hard to concentrate.)
6. Explicación:
Mi prioridad es terminar este proyecto, ... estoy tan enfocado.
(My priority is to finish this project, which is why I am so focused.)
7. Causa:
Necesito organizar mi transporte ... mi trabajo está lejos de casa.
(I need to organise my transport because my work is far from home.)

Understanding Spanish Connectors: ya, además, todavía, and More

This lesson focuses on essential connectors in Spanish that help you link ideas smoothly and clearly. At the B1 level, you will learn how to use words such as cuando, ya, todavía, porque, por eso, pero, and además to structure sentences and express time, cause, contrast, and addition.

Key Connectors and Their Uses

  • Cuando: Used to indicate time or condition. Example: Cuando llegues, llámame. (When you arrive, call me.)
  • Ya: Indicates an action that has occurred or is completed. Example: Ya terminé mi trabajo. (I have already finished my work.) Note: Ya can also express emphasis or emotion, not just time. Example: ¡Ya basta! (Enough!)
  • Todavía: Refers to an action still pending or ongoing. Example: Todavía estoy estudiando. (I am still studying.)
  • Porque: Introduces a reason or cause. Example: No fui porque estaba enfermo. (I didn't go because I was sick.)
  • Por eso: Expresses a consequence or result. Example: Hace frío, por eso llevo abrigo. (It's cold, that's why I wear a coat.)
  • Pero: Used to contrast ideas. Example: Quiero ir, pero no puedo. (I want to go, but I can't.)
  • Además: Adds additional information. Example: Estudia mucho y, además, practica con amigos. (Study a lot and, in addition, practice with friends.)

Language Notes on Connectors

Unlike English, Spanish connectors often carry nuances beyond simple linking. For example, ya is not exclusively a temporal word—it can convey emotions or impatience, which English usually expresses differently. Also, Spanish frequently uses por eso for consequences where English might use "therefore" or "that's why." Understanding these differences helps convey meaning more naturally.

Useful Phrases and Expressions

  • ¡Ya basta! – Enough!
  • Todavía no he terminado. – I haven’t finished yet.
  • Porque quiero aprender. – Because I want to learn.
  • Por eso estudio cada día. – That’s why I study every day.
  • Además de español, también estudio inglés. – Besides Spanish, I also study English.

Mastering these connectors will enhance your ability to organize ideas logically and express yourself with precision in Spanish.

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This content has been designed and reviewed by the coLanguage pedagogical team: About coLanguage

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Lea Pessara

Multilingual communication, focus on business and law

Cologne University of Applied Sciences

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Last Updated:

Thursday, 24/07/2025 03:49