Cuando (When) is followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood to express a future event still to happen.
Read and listen to these examples:
Cuando estemos de vacaciones no usaré el móvil.When we are on holidays I won't use the mobile phone.
Note: Cuando can be followed by either the indicative or subjunctive. El Presente de Indicativo expresses that something actually happens.
See these two similar examples, one with indicative and one with subjunctive:
In this sentence the going on holidays to Tenerife really happens.
In this next sentence the going on holidays to Tenerife has not happened. It is a future idea. Notice that the future tense follows the subjunctive here.
Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Braimap today »
Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics
Examples and resources
Cuando vaya de vacaciones a Tenerife me hospedaré en el hotel Olimpia.When I [will] go on holiday to Tenerife I will stay at the hotel Olimpia.
Cuando os tumbéis en la playa poneos la crema solar.When you lie down on the beach put some suncream on.
Cuando voy de vacaciones a Tenerife me hospedo en el hotel Olimpia.When I go on holiday to Tenerife I stay at the hotel Olimpia.
Cuando lleguen ustedes al hotel, deben entregar todos los documentos.When you arrive at the hotel, you must hand in all the documents.
