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Tag: beginner guide to Spanish dependent clauses
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Subordinating Conjunctions in Spanish: porque, que, cuando, aunque, and Others
Subordinating conjunctions in Spanish are essential for connecting clauses, providing reasons, expressing conditions, and indicating time. These conjunctions introduce subordinate clauses, which depend on the main clause to complete their meaning. Understanding their usage will significantly improve your fluency in Spanish.
List of Common Subordinating Conjunctions and Their Uses
Below is a list of the most commonly used subordinating conjunctions in Spanish along with their meanings and examples:
Conjunction Meaning Example 1 Example 2 porque because No salí porque llovía. (I didn’t go out because it was raining.) Estudio mucho porque quiero aprobar. (I study a lot because I want to pass.) que that Me dijo que vendría. (He told me that he would come.) Creo que es una buena idea. (I think that it is a good idea.) cuando when Te llamaré cuando llegue. (I will call you when I arrive.) Cuando era niño, jugaba mucho. (When I was a child, I played a lot.) aunque although/even though Aunque está lloviendo, saldré. (Even though it is raining, I will go out.) Lo haré aunque no tenga ganas. (I will do it even if I don’t feel like it.) si if Si estudias, aprobarás. (If you study, you will pass.) Iré si tengo tiempo. (I will go if I have time.) como as/since Lo hice como me dijiste. (I did it as you told me.) Como hace frío, me pondré un abrigo. (Since it is cold, I will wear a coat.) porque because No fui porque estaba enfermo. (I didn’t go because I was sick.) Lo hicimos porque era necesario. (We did it because it was necessary.) mientras while/as long as Puedes quedarte mientras quieras. (You can stay as long as you want.) Mientras yo cocino, tú pones la mesa. (While I cook, you set the table.) para que so that Te lo explico para que lo entiendas. (I explain it to you so that you understand.) Trabajo duro para que mis hijos tengan una mejor vida. (I work hard so that my children have a better life.) hasta que until No saldrás hasta que termines la tarea. (You will not go out until you finish your homework.) Esperaré hasta que llegues. (I will wait until you arrive.)
More Example Sentences
- No me gusta que llegues tarde. (I don’t like that you arrive late.)
- Como no tenía dinero, no compré nada. (Since I had no money, I didn’t buy anything.)
- Siempre me llama cuando necesita ayuda. (He always calls me when he needs help.)
- Aunque hace frío, no llevo abrigo. (Although it is cold, I am not wearing a coat.)
- Si tienes hambre, come algo. (If you are hungry, eat something.)
- Se quedó hasta que terminó la película. (He stayed until the movie ended.)
- Te hablo despacio para que me entiendas. (I speak slowly so that you understand me.)
- Mientras yo limpio, tú organizas la mesa. (While I clean, you organize the table.)
- Me gusta que me ayudes. (I like that you help me.)
- No salgas hasta que te llame. (Do not go out until I call you.)
Fill in the Blanks
- No saldré ______ termine mi tarea.
- Te lo explico ______ lo entiendas.
- ______ estudies, no aprenderás.
- Me dijo ______ vendría.
- Saldré ______ haga calor o frío.
- Esperaré ______ llegues.
- ______ no vengas temprano, perderemos el tren.
- No me gusta ______ me hables así.
- Comeré ______ tenga hambre.
- Salimos temprano ______ no había tráfico.
Answers
- hasta que
- para que
- Si no
- que
- aunque
- hasta que
- Si
- que
- cuando
- porque
Things to Keep in Mind
- Word Order: In Spanish, subordinating conjunctions typically introduce the subordinate clause, which follows the main clause.
- Verb Tense: Some conjunctions require the use of the subjunctive mood, especially when expressing uncertainty, purpose, or conditions (e.g., “para que” requires the subjunctive: “para que me entiendas”).
- Gender and Plurality: Conjunctions themselves do not change based on gender or plurality, but the words around them do. Make sure the verbs and adjectives agree with the subject.
- Use of Articles: Articles (el, la, los, las) do not affect subordinating conjunctions, but they must agree with the nouns they accompany.
- Common Mistakes: Beginners often confuse “porque” (because) with “por que” (for which) and “por qué” (why). Understanding their differences is crucial.
Conclusion
Mastering subordinating conjunctions in Spanish is essential for fluency, as they help create complex and meaningful sentences. Whether expressing reasons, conditions, or time, these conjunctions enhance communication and improve sentence structure. By practicing with real-life examples and exercises, you can become more confident in using them correctly. Keep practicing and incorporating these into daily conversations to strengthen your command of Spanish!
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