Già vs. ancora
In Italian, già and ancora both relate to time, but they express opposite concepts. Già refers to an action that has been completed, while ancora refers to an action that is either continuing or has not yet happened.
Già
A2The word già primarily translates to already. It is used to indicate that an action has happened, often sooner than expected. It can also be used for emphasis, similar to right or indeed.
Ho già mangiato, grazie.
(I have already eaten, thank you.)
È già mezzanotte!
(It's already midnight!)
Sei già qui? Pensavo arrivassi più tardi.
(Are you here already? I thought you would arrive later.)
Lo sapevo già che sarebbe finita così.
(I already knew it would end this way.)
Ah, già, me ne ero completamente dimenticato.
(Ah, right, I had completely forgotten about it.)
Ancora
A2The word ancora is more versatile and has three main meanings depending on the context. It can mean still (for an ongoing action), yet (typically in negative sentences or questions), or again/more (for repetition or addition).
Lavori ancora in quella azienda?
(Do you still work for that company?)
Non ho ancora finito il mio lavoro.
(I haven't finished my work yet.)
Non hai ancora capito?
(You haven't understood yet?)
Vuoi ancora un po' di torta?
(Do you want a little more cake?)
Dobbiamo provare ancora una volta.
(We have to try one more time / again.)
Piove ancora.
(It's still raining.)
Summary
The fundamental difference is one of completion versus continuation. Use già to confirm that an action is finished or has happened (already). Use ancora to indicate that an action is ongoing (still), has not happened (not yet), or is being repeated (again/more). In short, già looks at the past, while ancora looks at the present or a continuing state.