Definition – Both ya estuvo bueno and ya estuvo suave are Mexican slang expressions that are used to ask people to stop acting or behaving in a certain way. ‘Ya estuvo bueno’ and ‘Ya estuvo suave’ can be translated as ‘enough’, ‘that’s it’, ‘I have had it’, ‘cut it out’ or ‘that’s enough’.
What does ‘Ya Estuvo Bueno / Ya Estuvo Suave’ mean?
- Translation: As an informal way to ask someone to stop doing something, both ‘ya estuvo bueno’ and ‘ya estuvo suave’ are translated as ‘enough’, ‘that’s enough’, ‘I have had it’, ‘cut it out’ or ‘that’s it’.
How and When to use ‘Ya Estuvo Bueno’ / ‘Ya Estuvo Suave’?
- To ask someone to stop doing something. In Mexico, ‘ya estuvo bueno’ or ‘ya estuvo suave’ are used to ask people to stop doing something. These expressions are applied to situations where you’re being annoyed or someone’s behavior is inappropriate. In this situation, these phrases are translated as ‘enough’, that’s enough’, ‘cut it out’, ‘that’s it’ or ‘I have had it’.
Examples of How to Use ‘Ya Estuvo Bueno’ / ‘Ya Estuvo Suave’
Here are some real-life examples so you can see how to apply ‘ya estuvo bueno’ and ‘ya estuvo suave’ in your conversations.
To ask people to stop doing something
These Mexican slang expressions have the sole purpose to ask people to stop doing something. Both phrases express frustration about this situation and they can be used when:
- Someone is bothering you and you want them to stop
- Someone’s actions or behaviors are inappropriate and you’re fed up with them
¡Bueno, ya estuvo suave! ¡Deja de estarme molestando!
That’s enough! Stop bugging me!
Oye, llevo esperándote dos horas, ya estuvo bueno, ¿no?
Hey, I’ve been waiting for you for two hours, that’s enough, okay?
If you want to be more specific and mention the activity or behavior that you want people to stop doing, you can use this structure:
Ya estuvo bueno / Ya estuvo suave + de + que + [verb in subjunctive]
¡Hey! Ya estuvo suave de que molestes a tu hermana
Hey! That’s enough of you bugging your sister!
Ana, Sandra, ya estuvo bueno de que lleguen a la hora que quieran
Ana, Sandra, I’m done with you arriving at the time you want, cut it out!
Ya estuvo bueno / Ya estuvo suave + de + [noun]
Sofía, ¡ya estuvo bueno de tus groserías! ¡Discúlpate!
Sofía, enough of your rudeness! Say you’re sorry!
¡Ya estuvo suave de tantas mentiras! ¿Dónde estuviste ayer?
Cut it out with the lies! Where were you yesterday?
Take Note: There’s no difference between ‘ya estuvo bueno’ and ‘ya estuvo suave’. As a result, using one or the other will depend on people’s personal preferences.
Related Resource: Expressing Frustration in Spanish
Who Can You Use ‘Ya Estuvo Bueno’ / ‘Ya Estuvo Suave’ With?
Both ‘ya estuvo bueno’ and ‘ya estuvo suave’ are very popular among Mexican speakers. However, you should only use them in casual and informal situations.
Other Ways to Say ‘Ya Estuvo Bueno’ / ‘Ya Estuvo Suave’
Here are other synonyms that you can use to replace ‘ya estuvo bueno’ and ‘ya estuvo suave’ when needed.
- Ya estuvo → This is another Mexican variation of ‘ya estuvo bueno’ and ‘ya estuvo suave’. On top of being used to ask someone to stop doing something, ‘ya estuvo’ has other meanings.
- ¡Ya! → It means ‘enough’ and it can be used both in formal and casual situations.
- Basta → It’s the direct translation of ‘enough’.
- ¡Suficiente! → It’s another translation of ‘enough’ but it can be considered a more formal expression.
Related Resource: How to Use ‘Ya’ in Spanish