schon

En español: ya, antes, sí

1. already (happening rather early, continuing rather long) · Es ist erst 11 Uhr und schon über 30 Grad im Schatten. It’s only 11 a.m. and already more than 30 degrees (°C) in the shade.· Er ist schon seit drei Wochen krank. He’s been sick for three weeks already.
2. previously, before (at some time in the past; but not: before a certain event) · Ich erinnere mich, dass wir solche Fälle schon hatten. I remember that we had such cases before.
3. expresses that an action has been completed; already (but more frequent); yet (in questions) · Wir sind spät dran, aber diesen Stapel haben wir immerhin schon bearbeitet. We’re running late, but at least we’ve (already) finished this pile.· Hast du dir schon die Zähne geputzt? Have you brushed your teeth yet?
4. expresses a weighing of arguments, contrast between two statements, partial agreement, concession; admittedly; sure(ly); definitely; indeed · Man sollte Kinder nicht bestrafen. — Man sollte Kinder schon bestrafen, nur eben sinnvoll. One shouldn’t punish children. — One should definitely punish children, but wisely.· Niedrige Steuern heben den Konsum. — Das ist schon richtig, aber... Low taxes increase consumption. — That is admittedly true, but...
5. Used to add positive emphasis to a verb (which is frequently omitted), often when something else is negated. Compare si/sí/sì/sim in the Romance languages and wel in Dutch and Afrikaans. · Ich rauche nicht, aber du schon. I don't smoke, but you do.· Mach die Glocke bei mir aus, wenn du weniger am Handy sein willst, aber abonnieren kannst du mich schon. Turn off the bell on my channel if you want to spend less time on your phone, but you can still subscribe to me.