Cuando llegue el paquete, voy a reclamar un descuento si está dañado.

When the package arrives, I am going to complain and ask for a discount if it is damaged.

Breakdown of Cuando llegue el paquete, voy a reclamar un descuento si está dañado.

• yo: I
• estar: to be
• llegar: to arrive
• si: if
• cuando: when
• a: to
• ir: to go
• un: a
• el descuento: the discount
• ,: comma
• el paquete: the package
• dañado: damaged

Questions & Answers about Cuando llegue el paquete, voy a reclamar un descuento si está dañado.

Why is the verb form “llegue” used instead of “llega” in “Cuando llegue el paquete…”?

“Llegue” is the present subjunctive form of “llegar.” In this context, after a temporal conjunction like “cuando” referring to a future event that hasn’t occurred yet, Spanish uses the subjunctive to express uncertainty.

Why does the sentence use the subjunctive mood after “cuando”?

In Spanish, when a clause refers to a future event or condition that is not guaranteed to happen, the subjunctive mood is employed. Here, “cuando llegue el paquete” uses the subjunctive because the arrival of the package is pending and uncertain.

What does the construction “voy a reclamar” tell us about the speaker’s intention?

“Voy a reclamar” uses the periphrastic future (the “ir a” construction), indicating that the speaker intends to take an action—in this case, to claim a discount—once the condition is met.

How is the condition expressed in the sentence?

The condition is introduced by “si está dañado,” which means “if it is damaged.” This clause sets the scenario under which the speaker will claim a discount: only when the package arrives in a damaged state.

What is the meaning of “descuento” in this context?

“Descuento” means “discount.” In this sentence, it refers to the price reduction or compensation that the speaker plans to request if the package is damaged.

Why is “estar” used in “si está dañado” instead of “ser”?

In Spanish, “estar” is typically used with adjectives describing temporary states or conditions. Since “damaged” is viewed as a condition that the package might have upon arrival (and is not an inherent or permanent quality), “estar” is used rather than “ser.”