Ah, cuando. Such a small word, yet it can cause so much confusion for Spanish learners. You’ve probably heard it used in a dozen different ways, and just when you think you’ve got it, the subjunctive mood crashes the party. 🥳
- Cuando llego a casa...
- Cuando llegue a casa...
They look almost identical, but that one little letter change completely shifts the meaning. So, when do you use the normal, everyday indicative, and when do you need the mysterious subjunctive with cuando?
Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it seems. There’s one core principle that, once you get it, will make everything click into place.
Let’s dive in!
The Golden Rule: The "When" Test
To decide between the indicative and the subjunctive with cuando, ask yourself one simple question:
Has the action happened yet?
That's it. This one question is your key.
- If the action is habitual or has already happened (past), you use the INDICATIVE.
- If the action has not yet happened (future or hypothetical), you use the SUBJUNCTIVE.
Think of it like this:
- Indicative = Certainty & Reality. (Things you do, things you did).
- Subjunctive = Uncertainty & The Future. (Things you will do, things that might happen).
Let's break that down with some clear examples.
The "Been There, Done That" Zone: Cuando + Indicative
Use the indicative for actions that are facts, habits, or completed past events. You are reporting on something that is known to happen or has already occurred.
For Habitual Actions (Things You Always Do)
This is for your routines. The cuando clause describes a trigger, and the main clause describes the result that always follows.
- Cuando llueve, me gusta leer un libro. (When it rains, I like to read a book.)
- Analysis: Rain is a recurring event. This is my habit. It's a fact about my life.
- Normalmente, cuando tengo tiempo libre, voy al gimnasio. (Normally, when I have free time, I go to the gym.)
- Analysis: This is a description of my routine.
To learn more about present tense verbs, check out our guides on -AR verbs and -ER and -IR verbs.
For Past Actions (Things That Already Happened)
This is for telling stories about the past. Both the cuando event and the main event are completed.
- Cuando era niño, jugaba mucho al fútbol. (When I was a child, I used to play a lot of soccer.)
- Analysis: This happened in the past. It's a memory.
- Ayer, cuando llegué a la oficina, vi el correo electrónico. (Yesterday, when I arrived at the office, I saw the email.)
- Analysis: A specific, completed event in the past.
Brush up on past tenses with our guides on Preterite vs. Imperfect, Regular Preterite verbs, and Regular Imperfect verbs.
Indicative = Reality
When you use the indicative with cuando, you're on solid ground. You're talking about things that are real, repeated, or have already happened. No speculation here!
Ready to check your understanding?
Which verb form correctly completes this sentence about a past event? 'Cuando ___ la película, nos fuimos a dormir.'
The "Crystal Ball" Zone: Cuando + Subjunctive
Now for the fun part! Use the subjunctive when cuando introduces an action or event in the future. The action in the cuando clause has not happened yet at the moment of speaking.
This is where English speakers often get tripped up, because in English, we just use the simple present.
- "Call me when you arrive." (Not "when you will arrive")
Spanish requires the subjunctive here to signal that future uncertainty.
- Llámame cuando llegues. (Call me when you arrive.)
- Analysis: Have you arrived yet? No. It's a future event. So, we use the present subjunctive
llegues.
- Analysis: Have you arrived yet? No. It's a future event. So, we use the present subjunctive
- Vamos a cenar cuando termine mi trabajo. (We are going to have dinner when I finish my work.)
- Analysis: Have I finished my work yet? Nope. It's a future plan. Subjunctive it is!
- Cuando seas mayor, lo entenderás. (When you are older, you will understand.)
- Analysis: Are you older yet? Not in this context. We're looking ahead to the future.
Look at the Main Clause!
A huge clue is the verb in the other part of the sentence. If the main clause is a command (llámame, dime) or is in the future tense (iré, comeremos), the cuando clause that follows will almost always take the subjunctive.
Learn more about affirmative commands and formal commands, or dive into the simple future tense.
The Biggest Mistake to Avoid
Your English-speaking brain will try to use the future tense after cuando. Resist the urge!
Future Tense Alert!
Never use the future indicative tense right after cuando to talk about a future event. For more on this, see The Simple Future Tense.
- Incorrect: Te llamaré cuando
llegaré. ❌ - Correct: Te llamaré cuando llegue. ✅ (I will call you when I arrive.)
Let's try one more quiz to lock it in.
You're making plans with a friend. How do you say, 'We'll talk when you have more time'?
Quick Summary: Cuando at a Glance
| If the action... | Use this mood... | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Happens habitually or regularly | Indicative | Cuando hace sol, voy a la playa. |
| Already happened in the past | Indicative | Cuando llegó, todos aplaudieron. |
| Has not happened yet (it's in the future) | Subjunctive | Saldré cuando deje de llover. |
You've Got This!
The cuando + subjunctive rule is all about time travel. Are you looking back at the past or a routine (indicative), or are you looking forward into the crystal ball of the future (subjunctive)?
Keep that simple "When Test" in mind, and you'll be navigating this tricky topic like a pro. The best way to master it is to listen, read, and practice. So go on, start making some future plans in Spanish!
For more practice, explore our Spanish Stories! 🚀
