correct translation of "den"

Question

I have found the following phrase "esparar que den las siete" is translated "to wait until seven arrives." can someone explain the proper translation of "den?"

Thank you, Jim

Answer 1

Hi, Jim.

"Den" is the present subjunctive form of "dar"; forms of "dar" can be used with time in the sense of "the clock strikes an hour". In less dramatic terms, we might say "it is" a certain time.

What you have in your phrase "esperar que den las siete" is "to wait until it is 7:00" or "to wait for it to be 7:00".

I hope this has helped.

buena respuesta - 00494d19, Mar 3, 2011

Answer 2

It could be this: "den" is the 3rd person plural imperative (command form) of dar, to give. so maybe we are waiting for time to "give" us seven hours ( 7 oçlock').

It could be one of those phrases that does not translate exactly.

Natives and/or advanced speakers please help?

Edited to add:

Thank you Mountain Girl. Yes, I just found this phrase in the dictionary under the verb dar: El reloj dio las doce -> The clock struck twelve. In this case it already happened, so the preterite is used, not the subjunctive. In the original example since we are waiting for something which has not yet happened, the subjunctive is used.

I learned something new. Good question and answer!