Como to mean 'if'

Question

How common is the use of 'como' followed by the subjunctive to mean 'if' and is there any reason why it is sometimes better than 'si'?

Eg:

Como vayas conmigo, te pago la entrada.

If you go with me, I'll pay for your ticket.

vs

Como vas conmigo ....

As/Since/Because you're going with me .....

Answer 1

Si dices 'Si vienes conmigo, te pago la entrada', quieres que vaya contigo. Estás intentando convencer a alguien.

Si dices 'Como vayas conmigo...' puede ser una amenaza. No quieres que vaya contigo.

Otro ejemplo donde puedes usar como+subjuntivo, también como amenaza:

'Como digas algo, me enfado contigo'.

En cambio, 'como vas conmigo' no es una hipótesis. Ya sabes que va a ir contigo.

Gracias. - gringojrf, Jan 14, 2012

Answer 2

*Were there any other thoughts on this?

**(hey there's another example of using the past tense to talk about although you're really referring to the present, funny how you do things automatically in your own language and it doesn't seem weird until you notice that it's also done in another language! lol*

Answer 3

I had to look it up. My dictionary says it is used in Spain. So you need someone from there to answer.

Good Question.

ah ok that's interesting, thanx Gringo - Kiwi-Girl, Jan 14, 2012

Answer 4

Kiwi_Girl:

*Were there any other thoughts on this? smile

**(hey there's another example of using the past tense to talk about although you're really referring to the present, funny how you do things automatically in your own language and it doesn't seem weird until you notice that it's also done in another language! lol*

That's how it usually happens. And what's funny, people tell you that the best thing to do when learning a language is to not think in your native language.

Ain't that peachy?