In English, we frequently use the present perfect tense to describe some sort of experience that we had in the past. In Portuguese, this tense is used very infrequently, and instead, the past simple tense is used with já (already).

Let’s take a look at some examples.

Have you gone to Disney World? Você já foi na Disney?
Yes, I have. Sim, já.

They have finished. Já terminaram.

We have eaten there before. Já comemos lá.

I’ve seen that movie. Já vi esse filme.

Have you ever taken a Portuguese class? Você já fez um curso de português?

He’s tried that method. Ele já tentou esse método.

They have left the country. Já deixaram o país.