QUICK ANSWER
"Cuándo" is a form of "cuándo", an adverb which is often translated as "when". "Cómo" is a form of "cómo", an adverb which is often translated as "how". Learn more about the difference between "cuándo" and "cómo" below.
cuándo(
kwahn
-
doh
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. when
Nos vamos a casar, pero el cuándo y el dónde aún no lo sé.We are getting married, but I don't know when or where yet.
cómo(
koh
-
moh
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. how
¿Cómo hiciste para llegar tan rápido?How did you get here so quickly?
No sé cómo se prende este celular.I don't know how you turn on this cell phone.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¡Uf, cómo pesa esta caja!Gosh, this box is heavy!
¡Cómo me gusta este café!I really like this coffee!
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
a. Sorry?
¿Cómo? Yo tampoco te oigo, debe de ser la línea.Sorry? I can't hear you either, it must be the line.
b. Come again?
Fue rey de Babilonia y su nombre era Nabucodonosor. - ¿Cómo?He was king of Babylon and his name was Nebuchadnezzar. - Come again?
