Cuando termine de hornear, deseo invitar a mis amigos a probarlas.

When I finish baking, I want to invite my friends to try them.

Breakdown of Cuando termine de hornear, deseo invitar a mis amigos a probarlas.

• yo: I
• cuando: when
• a: to
• de: of
• mis: my
• terminar: to finish
• hornear: to bake
• desear: to want
• invitar: to invite
• probar: to try

Questions & Answers about Cuando termine de hornear, deseo invitar a mis amigos a probarlas.

Why is “termine” used in the subjunctive underneath “cuando”?

In Spanish, when you talk about something that hasn’t happened yet, you usually use the subjunctive after certain time expressions like “cuando.” Since the baking will happen in the future, “termine” must be in the subjunctive mood.

Why do we say “terminar de hornear” instead of just “terminar hornear”?

In Spanish, when you talk about finishing an action that involves a verb, you typically use “terminar de + infinitive.” This structure is used to indicate that the action (hornear) finishes. As an example: “terminar de comer,” “terminar de estudiar,” etc.

What does the “las” in “probarlas” refer to?

The pronoun “las” is used as a direct object pronoun to refer back to whatever is being baked (likely pastries, cookies, or something else in plural form). In the sentence, it means that you want your friends to try the baked goods.

Can I say “deseo invitar” instead of “quiero invitar,” and what’s the difference?

Yes, you can say either one. “Deseo” (I desire) is a bit more formal or slightly stronger in expressing the speaker’s wish. “Quiero” (I want) is common, more neutral, and less formal. Both are correct.

Is it necessary to say “a mis amigos” before “probarlas”?

Yes. In Spanish, when you talk about inviting people to do something, you use the construction “invitar a alguien a + infinitive.” So “invitar a mis amigos a probarlas” is the correct way to specify who you’re inviting and what you’re inviting them to do.