Ainda

Ainda is a Portuguese adverb used to signal that a state or action continues, roughly equivalent to “still” or “yet” in English. It is common in both Brazilian and European Portuguese and serves several functions, including temporal, intensifying, and concessive uses.

As a temporal adverb, ainda expresses continuation with verbs of state or action. Examples: “Ela ainda trabalha aqui” (She still works here); “Ainda não terminei” (I haven’t finished yet); “Ainda está cedo” (It’s still early). It often appears with negation to form “ainda não”.

As an intensifier, ainda can modify adjectives or verbs to mean “even more” or “even now.” Examples: “ele está ainda mais cansado” (he is even more tired); “ainda pode melhorar” (it can still improve). Fixed expressions include “ainda bem” (it’s a good thing) and “ainda por cima” (on top of that).

Concessive use: ainda que introduces a subordinate clause meaning “even if” or “although,” typically requiring the subjunctive: “Ainda que chova, iremos” (Even if it rains, we will go).

Notes: ainda contrasts with já (already/now) in most contexts. Regional nuances exist, but the core meanings are consistent across dialects.