When one thing happens: quando-clauses

quando Joins Sentences

So far quando has asked questions. Its second job is joining two clauses — when X happens, Y happens. The verb after it is the ordinary present:

When I am sick, I stay at home.
Quando estou doente, fico em casa.
When it is hot, we go to the beach.
Quando faz calor, vamos à praia.
When it is cold, I drink a tea.
Quando faz frio, bebo um chá.

When the quando part comes FIRST, a comma separates the halves — exactly like English. When it comes second, no comma:

I read a book when I am not working.
Leio um livro quando não trabalho.

porque, quando — the Pattern

This is the same move you made with porque: a small word turns two sentences into one. Porque gives the reason; quando gives the time:

When my father works, I study.
Quando o meu pai trabalha, eu estudo.

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