cuando + subjunctive for future time
when it happens (not yet)
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when it happens (not yet)
cuando + present is a habit. cuando + subjunctive looks ahead to a time that has not happened: Cuando llegue, te llamo.
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Future Plans
Use subjunctive for unhappened future events.
Cuando llegue a casa, te llamo.
When I arrive home, I'll call you.
Upcoming Travel
Subjunctive points to a future milestone.
Compraré los billetes cuando tenga dinero.
I will buy the tickets when I have money.
Common mix-ups
English speakers mistakenly use the present tense after 'cuando' when talking about the future.
When I have time, I will travel to Spain.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in Spanish before opening the example.
When we finish dinner tonight, we will call you.
Show one possible answer
Cuando terminemos de cenar, te llamaremos.
Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.
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Related grammar
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