vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"If" is a conjunction which is often translated as "si", and "when" is an adverb which is often translated as "cuándo". Learn more about the difference between "if" and "when" below.
if()
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
conjunction
a. si
If I were a rich woman, I would travel the world.Si yo fuera rica, viajaría por el mundo.
a. si
I do not know if they will like my cooking.No sé si les gustará mi comida.
a. aunque
It is a wonderful car, if rather expensive.Es un carro fabuloso, aunque bastante caro.
b. si bien
She's a good girl, if a little naive.Es una buena chica, si bien un poco inocente.
A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
noun
a.
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
no direct translation
If he enters the race—and that's a big if—he could receive many votes.Si entra a la carrera—y está por verse—podría recibir muchos votos.
The success of this project depends on a lot of ifs.El éxito de este proyecto depende de muchas suposiciones.
ifs
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
plural noun
a.
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
no direct translation
Do your homework now, or you can't go to the movies. No ifs or buts!Haz la tarea ahora, o no puedes ir al cine. ¡Nada de peros!
Don't worry about the ifs, just enjoy the moment.Olvídate de las dudas y disfruta el momento.
Copyright © 2026 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
when()
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. cuándo
When was the last time you cried?¿Cuándo fue la última vez que lloraste?
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
conjunction
a. cuando
I was sleeping when he got home.Estaba durmiendo cuando llegó a casa.
b. en que
That was the year when we bought our first apartment.Ese fue el año en que compramos nuestro primer apartamento.
Copyright © 2026 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.