cuándo
“cuándo” means “when” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
when
📝 In Action
¿Cuándo es tu cumpleaños?
A1When is your birthday?
No sé cuándo llegará el tren.
A2I don't know when the train will arrive.
Dime cuándo podemos hablar.
B1Tell me when we can talk.
the when
📝 In Action
Lo importante no es el qué, sino el cuándo.
C1The important thing is not the what, but the when.
El cuándo de su llegada es todavía un misterio.
C1The when of his arrival is still a mystery.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cuándo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly asks about the time of an event?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word 'quandō', which also meant 'when'. The accent mark ('tilde') was added much later in Spanish writing to distinguish the question word from the statement word ('cuando').
First recorded: Around the 10th century (as 'quando').
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the simple difference between 'cuándo' and 'cuando'?
Think of the accent mark on 'cuándo' as a little flag that says 'This is a question!'. Use 'cuándo' with an accent to ask 'when?'. Use 'cuando' without an accent to mean 'when' in a statement, like connecting two ideas: 'I read when I have time' (Leo cuando tengo tiempo).
Can I start any sentence with 'cuándo'?
Yes, if it's a direct question. For example, '¿Cuándo vamos a comer?' (When are we going to eat?). If it's not a question, the sentence will usually start with 'cuando' (no accent).