cuando: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Neutral (used in all registers from formal to informal)
Quick answer
What does “cuando” mean?
A Spanish interrogative and relative adverb meaning 'when'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Spanish interrogative and relative adverb meaning 'when'.
Used to introduce temporal clauses indicating the time at which something happens, or to ask about time. Can also be used in conditional-like constructions meaning 'if' or 'whenever'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Not applicable – this is a Spanish word. British and American English both use the English word 'when' with identical core meaning.
Connotations
Not applicable – this is a Spanish word.
Frequency
Not applicable – this is a Spanish word.
Grammar
How to Use “cuando” in a Sentence
[Main clause] + cuando + [subordinate clause (indicative/subjunctive)]¿Cuándo + [verb] + [complement]?Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cuando” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable – 'cuando' is not a verb.
American English
- Not applicable – 'cuando' is not a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable – this is a Spanish word.
American English
- Not applicable – this is a Spanish word.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable – 'cuando' is not an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable – 'cuando' is not an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in scheduling and planning: 'La reunión comenzará cuando llegue el director.'
Academic
Used to establish temporal sequences in arguments: 'El experimento se iniciará cuando se estabilicen las condiciones.'
Everyday
Very common in daily questions and narratives: '¿Cuándo vienes a casa?' 'Llámame cuando salgas del trabajo.'
Technical
Used in instructions and specifications: 'El sistema se activará cuando la temperatura supere los 30°C.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cuando”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cuando”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cuando”
- Using indicative instead of subjunctive for future/hypothetical events (e.g., 'Iré cuando *tengo* tiempo' instead of 'Iré cuando *tenga* tiempo').
- Omitting the accent in the interrogative form (¿Cuándo? vs. incorrect '¿Cuando?').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It requires the subjunctive when referring to future or hypothetical events. It uses the indicative for habitual actions or past events known to have occurred.
'Cuándo' (with an accent) is used in direct and indirect questions. 'Cuando' (without an accent) is used as a relative adverb in statements.
Yes, in certain contexts, especially with the subjunctive, it can have a conditional meaning similar to 'if' or 'whenever', e.g., 'Cuando llueva, no salgas' (If it rains, don't go out).
No, 'cuando' is exclusively an adverb/conjunction. The related noun for 'time' or 'occasion' is 'vez' or 'momento'.
A Spanish interrogative and relative adverb meaning 'when'.
Cuando is usually neutral (used in all registers from formal to informal) in register.
Cuando: in British English it is pronounced Not applicable – this is a Spanish word., and in American English it is pronounced Not applicable – this is a Spanish word.. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “De cuando en cuando (from time to time)”
- “Cuando las ranas críen pelo (when pigs fly)”
- “Cuando menos lo esperas (when you least expect it)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CUANDO' as 'QUANDary Over time' – it's the word you use when you're in a quandary about *when* something happens.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A POINT ON A PATH (Cuando marks a specific point or event on the timeline).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence correctly uses 'cuando' with a future reference?