ya votaste
/ʝa botaste/from spelling rules
The phrase "you already voted" in Spanish is expressed as ya votaste.
This phrase is used to state that a person has already cast their ballot in an election.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ya, meaning "already" and votaste, which is the second-person singular preterite form of the verb votar (to vote).
Which one should you use?
If you are speaking to someone formally, you should use ya votó. To address a group of people (you all), use ya votaron.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a single person formally (using usted), you must use the form ya votó instead of ya votaste. For the plural "you", use ya votaron.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the act of voting is often accompanied by a physical ritual of showing one's inked finger to prove the vote was cast.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, the word votar is a homophone for botar, which means 'to throw away' or 'to bounce'.
- The verb votar is a close relative of the English word 'vote', as both descend from the Latin 'votum', meaning a vow or a promise.
Examples in context
- Tú ya votaste en las elecciones.You already voted in the elections.
- Sé que ya votaste esta mañana.I know that you already voted this morning.
- Como ya votaste, no necesitas ir al centro.Since you already voted, you don't need to go to the center.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are standing in line at a polling station.
- JavierLucía, ¿quieres ir a la fila?Lucía, do you want to go to the line?
- LucíaSí, necesito votar ahora.Yes, I need to vote now.
- JavierPero tú ya votaste esta mañana.But you already voted this morning.
- LucíaEs verdad, lo olvidé por completo.That's true, I completely forgot.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
