Mastering Temporal Expressions: How to Say “When” in Spanish

Understanding how to express “when” in Spanish is crucial for conveying timing, sequencing events, and constructing complex sentences. This skill is essential for anyone looking to move beyond basic conversations and delve into more nuanced communication.

Whether you’re describing past experiences, planning future activities, or simply narrating a story, mastering temporal expressions will significantly enhance your fluency and accuracy. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the various ways to say “when” in Spanish, complete with detailed explanations, examples, and practice exercises.

It is designed for learners of all levels, from beginners grasping the basics to advanced students seeking to refine their grammar and expand their vocabulary.

By the end of this article, you will be able to confidently use the appropriate Spanish conjunctions and phrases to express “when” in a variety of contexts, enabling you to communicate more effectively and naturally.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition: Expressing “When” in Spanish
3. Structural Breakdown: Key Conjunctions and Phrases
4. Types and Categories of Temporal Expressions
   • Cuando: The Primary “When”
   • Mientras: “While” or “As Long As”
   • Apenas: “As Soon As” or “Hardly”
   • Tan pronto como: “As Soon As”
   • En cuanto: “As Soon As”
   • Después de que: “After”
   • Antes de que: “Before”
   • Hasta que: “Until”
5. Examples of “When” in Spanish
   • Cuando Examples
   • Mientras Examples
   • Apenas Examples
   • Tan pronto como Examples
   • En cuanto Examples
   • Después de que Examples
   • Antes de que Examples
   • Hasta que Examples
6. Usage Rules for Temporal Conjunctions
   • Subjunctive vs. Indicative
   • Sequence of Tenses
   • Inversion of Clauses
7. Common Mistakes When Using Temporal Expressions
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics: Nuances and Regional Variations
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Conclusion

Definition: Expressing “When” in Spanish

In Spanish, expressing “when” involves using temporal conjunctions to connect two clauses, indicating the time relationship between them. These conjunctions specify the temporal context in which an action takes place.

Understanding these conjunctions is essential because they dictate the mood (indicative or subjunctive) of the verb in the dependent clause, and they help to create complex and meaningful sentences.

The most common way to say “when” in Spanish is cuando. However, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, other conjunctions like mientras, apenas, tan pronto como, en cuanto, después de que, antes de que, and hasta que can be used. These conjunctions can express simultaneity, sequence, or duration of events.

Mastering these temporal conjunctions allows you to express when something happens relative to another event, providing a clear timeline and context to your sentences.

Structural Breakdown: Key Conjunctions and Phrases

Understanding the structure of sentences using temporal conjunctions is crucial for correct usage. Typically, a sentence using “when” in Spanish will consist of two clauses: a main clause and a dependent clause introduced by the temporal conjunction.

The general structure is: Temporal Conjunction + Dependent Clause + Main Clause or Main Clause + Temporal Conjunction + Dependent Clause.

For example:

• Cuando termine el trabajo, iré al cine. (When I finish work, I will go to the cinema.)
• Iré al cine cuando termine el trabajo. (I will go to the cinema when I finish work.)

The choice of conjunction dictates whether the verb in the dependent clause takes the indicative or subjunctive mood. This depends on whether the action in the dependent clause is viewed as a completed fact or as a potential or hypothetical event.

For example, conjunctions that refer to the future or hypothetical events often require the subjunctive:

• Te llamaré antes de que salgas. (I will call you before you leave.) – salgas is in the subjunctive because the leaving is uncertain.

Types and Categories of Temporal Expressions

Spanish offers several ways to express “when,” each with its specific nuance and grammatical requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the most common temporal conjunctions:

Cuando: The Primary “When”

Cuando is the most versatile and common way to say “when” in Spanish. It can refer to past, present, or future events. The verb tense and mood used with cuando depend on the context.

When referring to a habitual action in the past or present, or a completed action in the past, use the indicative mood. When referring to a future action, use the subjunctive mood.

Mientras: “While” or “As Long As”

Mientras means “while” and indicates that two actions are happening simultaneously. It can also mean “as long as” in certain contexts, indicating a condition that must be met for something else to occur.

Mientras always takes the indicative mood, as it describes actions that are actually happening or conditions that exist.

Apenas: “As Soon As” or “Hardly”

Apenas can mean “as soon as” or “hardly.” When it means “as soon as,” it is used to indicate that one action happens immediately after another. It can also express that something barely happened. The correct mood depends on the intended meaning and context.

When used to mean “hardly,” it doesn’t function as a temporal conjunction and doesn’t introduce a dependent clause.

Tan pronto como: “As Soon As”

Tan pronto como means “as soon as” and indicates that one action will happen immediately after another. It’s similar to en cuanto and apenas. Use the subjunctive for future actions and the indicative for past actions.

En cuanto: “As Soon As”

En cuanto also means “as soon as” and is interchangeable with tan pronto como in many contexts. Like tan pronto como, use the subjunctive for future actions and the indicative for past actions.

Después de que: “After”

Después de que means “after” and indicates that one action happens after another. It requires the subjunctive when the action in the dependent clause is in the future. Use the indicative when the action has already occurred.

Antes de que: “Before”

Antes de que means “before” and indicates that one action happens before another. It always requires the subjunctive mood in the dependent clause because the action hasn’t happened yet.

Hasta que: “Until”

Hasta que means “until” and indicates the duration of an action up to a certain point. It requires the subjunctive when referring to future actions or uncertain events. Use the indicative when referring to past or habitual actions.

Examples of “When” in Spanish

To solidify your understanding, let’s look at examples of each temporal conjunction in action. The following tables will provide comprehensive examples for each conjunction, demonstrating their usage in different contexts.

Cuando Examples

The following table illustrates the use of cuando in various tenses and moods. Note the shift from indicative to subjunctive depending on whether the action is completed or hypothetical.

Spanish Sentence	English Translation	Tense/Mood
Cuando era niño, jugaba al fútbol todos los días.	When I was a child, I played soccer every day.	Past Imperfect Indicative
Cuando llego a casa, siempre me lavo las manos.	When I arrive home, I always wash my hands.	Present Indicative
Cuando tenga tiempo, te llamaré.	When I have time, I will call you.	Future Subjunctive
Cuando fuimos a España, visitamos Madrid.	When we went to Spain, we visited Madrid.	Past Simple Indicative
Siempre me siento feliz cuando veo a mis amigos.	I always feel happy when I see my friends.	Present Indicative
Cuando hayas terminado, avísame.	When you have finished, let me know.	Future Perfect Subjunctive
Cuando vivía en París, iba al museo cada semana.	When I lived in Paris, I went to the museum every week.	Past Imperfect Indicative
Cuando vengas a mi casa, te mostraré mi jardín.	When you come to my house, I will show you my garden.	Future Subjunctive
Cuando escuché la noticia, me sorprendí mucho.	When I heard the news, I was very surprised.	Past Simple Indicative
Cuando necesites ayuda, no dudes en llamarme.	When you need help, don’t hesitate to call me.	Present Subjunctive
Cuando estudiaba, siempre escuchaba música.	When I was studying, I always listened to music.	Past Imperfect Indicative
Cuando llegues, llámame.	When you arrive, call me.	Future Subjunctive
Cuando compré el coche, estaba muy contento.	When I bought the car, I was very happy.	Past Simple Indicative
Cuando me visitas, siempre traes flores.	When you visit me, you always bring flowers.	Present Indicative
Cuando haga buen tiempo, iremos a la playa.	When the weather is good, we will go to the beach.	Future Subjunctive
Cuando vio el accidente, llamó a la policía.	When he saw the accident, he called the police.	Past Simple Indicative
Cuando tengo hambre, como una manzana.	When I am hungry, I eat an apple.	Present Indicative
Cuando hayas terminado de leer, puedes ver la televisión.	When you have finished reading, you can watch television.	Future Perfect Subjunctive
Cuando era joven, me gustaba leer mucho.	When I was young, I liked to read a lot.	Past Imperfect Indicative
Cuando vayas al supermercado, compra pan.	When you go to the supermarket, buy bread.	Future Subjunctive
Cuando salí de la casa, estaba lloviendo.	When I left the house, it was raining.	Past Simple Indicative
Cuando me siento triste, escucho música alegre.	When I feel sad, I listen to cheerful music.	Present Indicative
Cuando consigas el trabajo, celebraremos.	When you get the job, we will celebrate.	Future Subjunctive

Mientras Examples

The following table showcases the use of mientras, emphasizing the simultaneity of actions. Note that the indicative mood is always used.

Spanish Sentence	English Translation	Tense
Mientras cocino, escucho música.	While I cook, I listen to music.	Present Indicative
Mientras él hablaba, yo tomaba notas.	While he was speaking, I was taking notes.	Past Imperfect Indicative
Puedes leer un libro mientras esperas.	You can read a book while you wait.	Present Indicative
Mientras trabajaba, pensaba en mis vacaciones.	While I was working, I was thinking about my vacation.	Past Imperfect Indicative
Mientras comes, no hables con la boca llena.	While you eat, don’t talk with your mouth full.	Present Indicative
Mientras estudiaba, mi hermano veía la televisión.	While I was studying, my brother was watching television.	Past Imperfect Indicative
Mientras viajas, puedes disfrutar del paisaje.	While you travel, you can enjoy the scenery.	Present Indicative
Mientras llovía, nos quedamos en casa.	While it was raining, we stayed at home.	Past Imperfect Indicative
Mientras esperas el autobús, puedes leer el periódico.	While you wait for the bus, you can read the newspaper.	Present Indicative
Mientras caminábamos, hablamos de nuestros planes.	While we were walking, we talked about our plans.	Past Imperfect Indicative
Mientras aprendes español, escucha música en español.	While you learn Spanish, listen to music in Spanish.	Present Indicative
Mientras dormías, yo preparé el desayuno.	While you were sleeping, I prepared breakfast.	Past Imperfect Indicative
Mientras corres, trata de respirar profundamente.	While you run, try to breathe deeply.	Present Indicative
Mientras conducía, escuchaba las noticias.	While I was driving, I was listening to the news.	Past Imperfect Indicative
Mientras trabajas en el jardín, usa guantes.	While you work in the garden, wear gloves.	Present Indicative
Mientras jugábamos, empezó a llover.	While we were playing, it started to rain.	Past Imperfect Indicative
Mientras te bañas, puedo limpiar la casa.	While you take a bath, I can clean the house.	Present Indicative
Mientras estudiaban, sus padres preparaban la cena.	While they were studying, their parents were preparing dinner.	Past Imperfect Indicative
Mientras esperábamos, vimos un espectáculo callejero.	While we were waiting, we saw a street performance.	Past Imperfect Indicative
Mientras hablaban, se reían mucho.	While they were talking, they laughed a lot.	Past Imperfect Indicative

Apenas Examples

The following table illustrates the use of apenas, both as “as soon as” and “hardly.” Note the different structures and meanings.

Spanish Sentence	English Translation	Meaning
Apenas llegué, me fui a dormir.	As soon as I arrived, I went to sleep.	As Soon As
Apenas tenía dinero para comer.	I hardly had any money to eat.	Hardly
Apenas terminó la clase, salimos corriendo.	As soon as the class finished, we ran out.	As Soon As
Apenas puedo ver sin mis gafas.	I can hardly see without my glasses.	Hardly
Apenas entró, empezó a gritar.	As soon as he entered, he started to shout.	As Soon As
Apenas lo conozco.	I hardly know him.	Hardly
Apenas hubo terminado, cuando sonó el teléfono.	As soon as he had finished, the phone rang.	As Soon As
Apenas tiene tiempo libre.	He hardly has any free time.	Hardly
Apenas abrí la puerta, el perro salió corriendo.	As soon as I opened the door, the dog ran out.	As Soon As
Apenas pudimos oír lo que decía.	We could hardly hear what he was saying.	Hardly
Apenas terminaron de comer, se fueron.	As soon as they finished eating, they left.	As Soon As
Apenas se nota la diferencia.	The difference is hardly noticeable.	Hardly
Apenas llegó, la fiesta empezó.	As soon as he arrived, the party started.	As Soon As
Apenas habla español.	He hardly speaks Spanish.	Hardly
Apenas salió el sol, nos levantamos.	As soon as the sun came out, we got up.	As Soon As
Apenas tiene 20 años.	He is hardly 20 years old.	Hardly

Tan pronto como Examples

Spanish Sentence	English Translation	Tense/Mood
Tan pronto como termine el trabajo, iré a verte.	As soon as I finish the work, I will come to see you.	Future Subjunctive
Tan pronto como llegué, me llamó.	As soon as I arrived, he called me.	Past Simple Indicative
Tan pronto como tengas noticias, avísame.	As soon as you have news, let me know.	Future Subjunctive
Tan pronto como salió el sol, fuimos a la playa.	As soon as the sun came out, we went to the beach.	Past Simple Indicative
Tan pronto como sepa la respuesta, te lo diré.	As soon as I know the answer, I will tell you.	Future Subjunctive
Tan pronto como terminaron de comer, se fueron.	As soon as they finished eating, they left.	Past Simple Indicative
Tan pronto como leas este libro, me lo devuelves.	As soon as you read this book, return it to me.	Future Subjunctive
Tan pronto como llegamos al hotel, nos registramos.	As soon as we arrived at the hotel, we checked in.	Past Simple Indicative

En cuanto Examples

Spanish Sentence	English Translation	Tense/Mood
En cuanto termine de trabajar, te llamaré.	As soon as I finish working, I will call you.	Future Subjunctive
En cuanto llegué a casa, me puse a cocinar.	As soon as I got home, I started cooking.	Past Simple Indicative
En cuanto tengas tiempo libre, visítame.	As soon as you have free time, visit me.	Future Subjunctive
En cuanto sonó la alarma, me desperté.	As soon as the alarm rang, I woke up.	Past Simple Indicative
En cuanto sepa algo, te lo contaré.	As soon as I know something, I will tell you.	Future Subjunctive
En cuanto terminó la película, nos fuimos.	As soon as the movie ended, we left.	Past Simple Indicative

Después de que Examples

Spanish Sentence	English Translation	Tense/Mood
Después de que termine el trabajo, iré al cine.	After I finish work, I will go to the cinema.	Future Subjunctive
Después de que comí, me sentí mejor.	After I ate, I felt better.	Past Simple Indicative
Después de que hayas estudiado, podrás relajarte.	After you have studied, you can relax.	Future Perfect Subjunctive
Después de que llegamos, empezó a llover.	After we arrived, it started to rain.	Past Simple Indicative
Después de que te vayas, limpiaré la casa.	After you leave, I will clean the house.	Future Subjunctive
Después de que terminó la reunión, salimos a cenar.	After the meeting ended, we went out to dinner.	Past Simple Indicative

Antes de que Examples

Spanish Sentence	English Translation	Tense/Mood
Antes de que salgas, cierra la puerta.	Before you leave, close the door.	Present Subjunctive
Antes de que te acuestes, lávate los dientes.	Before you go to bed, brush your teeth.	Present Subjunctive
Antes de que empiece la película, compra palomitas.	Before the movie starts, buy popcorn.	Present Subjunctive
Antes de que lleguen los invitados, tenemos que limpiar.	Before the guests arrive, we have to clean.	Present Subjunctive
Antes de que se haga tarde, debemos irnos.	Before it gets late, we should leave.	Present Subjunctive
Antes de que lo olvides, escríbelo.	Before you forget it, write it down.	Present Subjunctive

Hasta que Examples

Spanish Sentence	English Translation	Tense/Mood
No me iré hasta que termines.	I won’t leave until you finish.	Present Subjunctive
Esperé hasta que llegó el autobús.	I waited until the bus arrived.	Past Simple Indicative
No sabrás la respuesta hasta que lo intentes.	You won’t know the answer until you try it.	Present Subjunctive
Estudié hasta que me cansé.	I studied until I got tired.	Past Simple Indicative
No te rindas hasta que tengas éxito.	Don’t give up until you succeed.	Present Subjunctive
Trabajé hasta que se hizo de noche.	I worked until it got dark.	Past Simple Indicative

Usage Rules for Temporal Conjunctions

Using temporal conjunctions correctly involves understanding when to use the subjunctive versus the indicative mood, how to maintain the correct sequence of tenses, and how to handle clause inversion.

Subjunctive vs. Indicative

The choice between the subjunctive and indicative mood depends on the certainty and timing of the action in the dependent clause. If the action is viewed as uncertain, hypothetical, or future, use the subjunctive.

If the action is completed, habitual, or a general truth, use the indicative.

For example:

• Cuando llegue, te llamaré. (When I arrive, I will call you.) – Future Subjunctive
• Cuando llegué, te llamé. (When I arrived, I called you.) – Past Simple Indicative

Sequence of Tenses

The sequence of tenses ensures that the verb tenses in the main and dependent clauses are logically consistent. This is particularly important when dealing with past events.

For example:

• Él dijo que me llamaría cuando terminara. (He said he would call me when he finished.)

Inversion of Clauses

You can often invert the order of the main and dependent clauses without changing the meaning. However, be mindful of punctuation and flow.

For example:

• Cuando termine la tarea, iré al cine. (When I finish the homework, I will go to the cinema.)
• Iré al cine cuando termine la tarea. (I will go to the cinema when I finish the homework.)

Common Mistakes When Using Temporal Expressions

One of the most common mistakes is using the indicative mood when the subjunctive is required, especially with antes de que and future actions. Another common error is incorrect tense sequencing.

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
Antes de que sales, cierra la puerta.	Antes de que salgas, cierra la puerta.	Antes de que always requires the subjunctive.
Cuando voy a tener tiempo, te llamaré.	Cuando tenga tiempo, te llamaré.	Referring to future actions requires the subjunctive.
Después de que comí, me sentía mejor.	Después de que comí, me sentí mejor.	The tense sequenc is correct.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses, using the appropriate temporal conjunction.

Question	Answer
1. Te llamaré cuando yo _______ (terminar) mi trabajo.	1. Te llamaré cuando yo termine mi trabajo.
2. _______ (llegar) a casa, siempre me quito los zapatos.	2. Cuando llego a casa, siempre me quito los zapatos.
3. No saldré _______ (terminar) de estudiar.	3. No saldré hasta que termine de estudiar.
4. _______ (comer), me lavo los dientes.	4. Después de que como, me lavo los dientes.
5. _______ (salir) de casa, asegúrate de cerrar la puerta.	5. Antes de que salgas de casa, asegúrate de cerrar la puerta.
6. _______ (estar) en la playa, me gusta nadar.	6. Cuando estoy en la playa, me gusta nadar.
7. _______ (escuchar) música, me relajo.	7. Mientras escucho música, me relajo.
8. _______ (tener) noticias, te lo contaré.	8. Tan pronto como tenga noticias, te lo contaré.
9. _______ (entrar), todos aplaudieron.	9. Apenas entró, todos aplaudieron.
10. _______ (saber) la verdad, te diré.	10. En cuanto sepa la verdad, te diré.

More Practice:

Question	Answer
1. _______ (tener) vacaciones, viajaré por Europa.	1. Cuando tenga vacaciones, viajaré por Europa.
2. Te ayudaré _______ (necesitar) mi ayuda.	2. Te ayudaré cuando necesites mi ayuda.
3. _______ (llover), me gusta leer libros.	3. Cuando llueve, me gusta leer libros.
4. _______ (cocinar), mi esposo lava los platos.	4. Mientras cocino, mi esposo lava los platos.
5. _______ (recibir) el paquete, te avisaré.	5. Tan pronto como reciba el paquete, te avisaré.
6. _______ (ver) la película, escribiré una reseña.	6. Después de que vea la película, escribiré una reseña.
7. _______ (salir), apaga las luces.	7. Antes de que salgas, apaga las luces.

Advanced Topics: Nuances and Regional Variations

The usage of temporal conjunctions can vary slightly depending on the region. For example, some expressions might be more common in Latin America than in Spain, or vice versa.

Additionally, there are nuances in meaning that can only be grasped through extensive exposure to the language.

Regional Variations:

• Some regions might prefer apenas over tan pronto como, or vice versa.
• The speed and rhythm of speech can also influence the choice of conjunctions.

Nuances:

• The emotional tone can influence the choice of conjunction. For instance, en cuanto might convey a sense of urgency that cuando doesn’t.
• The level of formality can also play a role. Some expressions are more colloquial than others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Mastering temporal expressions in Spanish is essential for conveying the timing and sequence of events accurately. By understanding the nuances of conjunctions like cuando, mientras, apenas, tan pronto como, en cuanto, después de que, antes de que, and hasta que, you can significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension.

Remember to pay attention to the mood (indicative or subjunctive) required by each conjunction and practice using these expressions in various contexts to solidify your understanding. With consistent effort, you’ll be able to express “when” in Spanish with confidence and precision.