ya veremos
/ʝa beɾemos/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "we will see" is ya veremos.
ya veremos is used to express uncertainty or to postpone a decision until more information is available. While 'veremos' means 'we will see', adding 'ya' makes the phrase a common idiomatic expression for 'we'll see how it goes' or 'time will tell'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb ya (already/now) and the future tense of ver (to see). Literally, it translates to "already we will see."
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb veremos is the first-person plural future indicative form of ver.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝa beɾemos/
Did you know?
- Depending on the tone, ya veremos can shift from a neutral statement of uncertainty to a subtle threat, similar to the English phrase 'we'll just see about that'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, ya veremos can be a polite way to say 'no' without actually using the word 'no', especially when a child asks for a favor.
- The word ya is a linguistic relative of the French word déjà, as both evolved from the Latin word iam.
Examples in context
- Veremos si es posible.We will see if it's possible.
- No sé, ya veremos.I don't know, we'll see.
- No sé, a ver qué pasa.I don't know, we'll see what happens.
- Ya veremos si el tiempo mejora.We will see if the weather improves.
- No estoy seguro, ya veremos.I am not sure, we will see.
- Ya veremos qué pasa mañana.We will see what happens tomorrow.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing a potential job offer.
- Elena¿Crees que te darán el puesto?Do you think they will give you the job?
- MateoNo lo sé, ya veremos.I don't know, we will see.
- ElenaEspero que tengas buena suerte, Mateo.I hope you have good luck, Mateo.
- MateoGracias, Elena.Thanks, Elena.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
