Como vs Si when creating conditional sentences.

Question

Why would a Spanish speaker use "como" instead of "si" to create a conditional sentence? Can I switch "si" for "como" at anytime without a change in meaning? I saw a show on the internet and one of the characters said "¡Como me toques te mato!". Does that carry the same meaning as "¡Si me tocas te mato!"? Thanks in advance for any replies.

nice question, :) - 006595c6, Jul 9, 2017

Answer 1

That usage of "como" just about falls within the concept of idiomatic expressions. It is not commonly a substitute for the conditional "si". In the context, as correctly explained in previous posts, this "como" is more akin to "should you (dare)", or "you dare (and dire things will happen to you). A similar example: "como me vengas con otra excusa, te despido" - "one more excuse and you're fired".

That makes sense, Gekkosan. - DonBigoteDeLaLancha, Jul 9, 2017

I can ask "provided" can always substitute "if". Provided you do the dishes, I will let you cook. If you do the dishes, I will let you cook. - polenta1, Jul 9, 2017

If is the best. Sometimes you can use provided. The same in Spanish. Si conditional is the best.. - polenta1, Jul 9, 2017

Answer 2

"Como me toques (subjunctive) te mato" has more of the feeling of "In the manner in which you (may) touch me I will kill you" The use of the subjunctive shows the uncertainty of the situation, "However you (may) touch me, (in the same manner) I will kill you." It sounds a little weird to me,

It does not have the meaning of "¡Si me tocas te mato! That's plain and simple. "If you touch me I will kill you!"

Is "como" used to form conditional sentences often in modern Spanish? The show that I got the quote from takes place during the middle ages in europe. - Gélido, Jul 9, 2017

You can hear this "como" with the meaning you gave but not very often.. - polenta1, Jul 9, 2017

Answer 3

I think "como" instead of "si" is often used in a threatening manner following a previous altercation.

Dilken , good one!

it is not the same to say:

Si viene le diré una palabras.

if he comes he will hear me!

Como venga le diré unas cuantas palabras.

Should he (dare to) come, he will hear me!

I like the idea of "threatening". Good job, ken-

Gracias, Heidita: Incluso un reloj roto acierta la hora dos veces al día :) - DilKen, Jul 9, 2017

lol, no digas eso ken, tú aciertas casi siempre!!! - 006595c6, Jul 9, 2017

Answer 4

I think "como" instead of "si" is often used in a threatening manner following a previous altercation.

¡Te dije que dejaras de molestarme.! Como sigas haciéndolo, se lo diré a tu esposa.

I told you to stop trying to hit on me! If you keep doing it, I'll tell your wife.

¡Te dije que dejaras de intentar ligar con mí! Como sigas haciéndolo, se lo diré a tu esposa.

According to the SD dictionary "intentar ligar con" is U.S. Spanish for "to hit on" in the "romantic" sense. I wasn't sure if molestar (to bother) was the best Spanish (from Spain) for this, but lacking a better idea, that's what I used. Maybe coquetear con mí would work in the first sentence instead of molestarme. ????

Please correct my Spanish if necessary.

I like your interpretation of k"a threatening manner". - polenta1, Jul 9, 2017

nice ken, good interpretation! - 006595c6, Jul 9, 2017

Answer 5

Can "Como me toques, te mato" be translated as "If you touch me in the wrong way, I will kill you?" That's the way I understand it, and Daniela's earlier explanation enforces it. Mine isn't a direct translation, but a good interpretation, I think.