¡ya basta!
everyday
To say "enough" with some force, Spanish speakers use ¡ya basta! In Mexico ¡Ya estuvo! also means that is enough, and a short ¡Ya! works between friends.
Meaning: no more is needed or wanted (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| ¡ya basta! | everyday |
| ¡Ya! | casual |
| ¡Ya estuvo! | slang, Mexico |
¡Ya basta! is what you say when something has gone too far. It is firm but not vulgar.
Which one should you use?
Basta is the standard word for "enough" as a command. Ya estuvo is more relaxed and can also mean that something is done or settled.
Is it said differently in some regions?
¡Ya estuvo! is typically Mexican. In other countries ¡Ya basta! is the safer choice.
Did you know?
- The verb bastar means "to be enough", so basta literally says "it is enough".
Examples in context
- ¡Ya basta de gritar!Enough shouting!
- Ya estuvo, vámonos a casa.That is enough, let us go home.
- ¡Ya, déjalo en paz!Enough, leave him alone!
Example conversation
Two brothers argue over the television and their mother steps in.
- Hermano¡Es mi turno con el control!It is my turn with the remote!
- Mamá¡Ya basta, los dos!Enough, both of you!
- HermanoEstá bien, mamá.Okay, Mom.
