Uncertain future usage of the subjunctive with cuando

Question

En otra pregunta, dije que escucho musica con letras españolas para aprender español (para ser claro, no es la única cosa que hago para aprender). En una canción que escuché, se usa la frase "cuando los consigues, tuyo es el control". Yo he sido dicho que después de 'cuando' se usa el subjuntivo. ¿Por qué no es la frase "cuando los consigas..."?

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In another question, I mentioned that I listen to Spanish music to learn Spanish (just to make it clear, that is not all I do to learn). In one song that I listened to, the phrase "cuando los consigues, tuyo es el control" is used. I have been told that after 'cuando' the subjunctive is used. Why is the phrase not "cuando los consigas..."?

Good question! - --Mariana--, Jul 16, 2012

Answer 1

He or she is making an affirmative statement and there is no doubt. The subjunctive does not always follow "cuando". If there is some doubt in the indefinite future time then the subjunctive would be used.

Vuelva dentro de unas horas cuando haya llegado el jefe - Come back in a couple of hours when the manager will be here (however, he may not arrive for some reason).

Cuando lo dice, será verdad - If he says so, it must be true. (subjunctive not used as in the speakers opinion, there is no doubt)

So, just to clarify, if I were to translate "When it's sunny, I will go to the beach", I would say "Cuando haga sol, iré a la playa", because there may or may not be a sunny day in the future? - Maxwell_R, Jul 16, 2012

But if I were to say "When it's sunny, I drink lemonade", I would say "Cuando hace sol, bebo limonada" because it's a habitual action, and it's irrelevant whether it actually is sunny, it's about what I do when it is sunny? If that makes any sense... - Maxwell_R, Jul 16, 2012

In essence, yes. However, I would say Si hiciera sol iría a la playa. - Eddy, Jul 17, 2012

Answer 2

Eddy is correct, as usual.

The subjunctive does not always follow "cuando."

Cuando regrese voy hablaré contigo (When I return I will speak to you). (I may or may not return, who knows?)

Cuando voy al cine siempre como palamitas de maiz (When I go to the movies I always eat popcorn). (I've done it before and I habitually do this).