Daddy Learns Spanish

Lesson 23 · Mood

  1. Teach

  2. Fill it in 5

  3. Say it 3

  4. Review 4

When it has not happened yet

cuando llegue

when I get there· tap the form for the whole table

Say these out loud

Why it works

Cuando + a past or habitual fact takes normal forms: cuando llego, ceno.

Cuando + something still ahead takes the subjunctive: cuando llegue, te llamo.

Hasta que and en cuanto behave the same way. Antes de que is simpler still: it always takes the subjunctive.

Why not cuando llego

cuando llego a casa, te llamo

when I get home, I call you

Says it as a routine — every day, on arrival. For tonight only, use llegue.

In a full sentence

  • Cuando salga del metro, te mando un mensaje.

    When I leave the metro, I’ll send you a message.

    Leaving the metro is still in the future.

  • Cuando pueda, ella pide cita con el médico.

    When she can, she’ll book a doctor’s appointment.

    Her chance to book it has not happened yet.

  • Cuando salga de la oficina, ella coge el cercanías.

    When she leaves the office, she’ll take the commuter train.

    Leaving the office is a future event.

5 gaps to fill, then 3 sentences from the English · say or type each one