"cuando" and the subjunctive

Question

when does one use the subjunctive with ":cuando"?

Hola, Bienvenido al foro! - rac1, Jun 9, 2012

Answer 1

I believe it's used when expressing future actions, and the outcome isn't clear weather they will happen or not.

Cuando puedas, dame esa taza.

When you get the chance, give me that cup.

Cuando quieras, podemos charlar.

When you want [Whenever you might want to], we can chat.

Wait for more answers, this is a good Q because I'd like to learn more on this.

Answer 2

Brady is correct. It could also be said that the subjunctive is used after "cuando" when it is a question of indefinite time in the future, ie, it will happen but we are not sure when it will happen,

Cuando haya hecho el diagnóstico - When he has made his diagnosis, (the idea being when he will have made).

Vuelva dentro de unas dos horas cuando haya llegado el jefe - Come back in a couple of hours time when the manager will be here. (Again inferring he will be there but at an indefinite future time).

thanks for responding. i found your explanation very helpful - speedygonzalez, Jun 12, 2012

Answer 3

thanks for answering my question re: cuando and the subjunctive.

while on the same subject, which of these two sentences takes the subjunctive, and why?

1. when the swallows return to puerto, i won't be there.

2. when the swallows return to puerto, i'm never there.

applying the logic of your answer (ie, an indefinite time in the future=subjunctive), shouldn't the answer be sentence #.....

#1 i would say...because #2 is a habitual action, you are declaring that you are never there,but #1 you are not declaring - BradyLabuda, Jun 11, 2012

i agree, though it took me a while to understand why. thanks again for responding - speedygonzalez, Jun 12, 2012

Answer 4

Hi, Speedy, welcome to the forum.

I think that you can tell me which is best for the subjunctive....

• when the swallows return to puerto, i won't be there. (This is something that will happen in the future)

• when the swallows return to puerto, i'm never there. (This is something that happens regularly, it may or may not happen again in the future).

---

The present-tense subjunctive mood typically is used when cuando comes before a verb referring to an event that has yet to occur:

Llegaremos cuando debamos y no antes. We will arrive when we should and not before.

Despiértame cuando lleguen tus amigos. Wake me up when your friends arrive.

Vamos a hacerlo cuando seamos capaces. We are going to do it when we are capable.

¿Qué voy a hacer cuando esté viejo? What am I going to do when I am old?

ahora que estoy viejo, puedo decirte lo que ir a hacer cuando este viejo: estoy intentando aprender espanol. tenga buen dia! - speedygonzalez, Jun 12, 2012