Quick answer
Agora locates something at the present moment; já marks “by now” or can press for immediate action.
A reliable test is to identify the job of the word before translating from English.
Learn Brazilian Portuguese step by step
Create your account to continue with this topic in Falando.
Free account. A1 lessons included.
What each word does
agora
now
Use agora for the present moment.
já
already or right away
Use já for something completed by now, or an urgent immediate action.
How to choose
- agora: Choose agora if the sentence points to the present moment.
- já: Choose já if the sentence points to something completed by now, or an urgent immediate action.
Examples
Estou ocupado agora.
I am busy now.
Já terminei o trabalho.
I have already finished the work.
Common trap
Já does not always mean “now.” In já comi, it means “already”; in venha já, it means “right away.”
Practice it in context
Pick one sentence from your real life and write it twice: once with agora, then once with já. If both versions feel possible, name the meaning shift.
Learn Brazilian Portuguese step by step
Create your account to continue with this topic in Falando.
Free account. A1 lessons included.