Planning for the Future with "Cuando"
In English, when we talk about a future event using the word "when," we use the regular present tense (for example, "When I retire...").
In Spanish, because future events haven't happened yet, you must use the subjunctive after cuando (when) to talk about the future.
| When my grandfather retires, he is going to travel to Mexico. | Cuando mi abuelo se jubile, va a viajar a México. |
| When I graduate, I am going to look for a job. | Cuando me gradúe, voy a buscar un trabajo. |
| When we get married, we are going to buy a house. | Cuando nos casemos, vamos a comprar una casa. |
Notice how jubilarse becomes se jubile, graduarse becomes me gradúe, and casarse becomes nos casemos.
Coordinating Plans
The main part of the sentence—the action you are planning—can be expressed in a few different ways. You can use ir a + infinitive (going to do something), the present tense, or a command. Regardless of the main clause, the verb immediately following cuando remains in the subjunctive.
| When the move finishes, we are going to throw a big party. | Cuando la mudanza termine, vamos a hacer una gran fiesta. |
| When your father-in-law has time, we will toast with wine. | Cuando tu suegro tenga tiempo, brindamos con vino. |
| When you plan the move, please let me know. | Cuando planees la mudanza, por favor avísame. |
Discussing Life Milestones
You can use this same structure to anticipate major life changes, like welcoming a new addition to the family.
| to be born | nacer |
| When the baby is born, we are going to be very happy. | Cuando el bebé nazca, vamos a estar muy felices. |
Key Takeaway: If a sentence with cuando refers to an anticipated event that has not yet occurred, always use the present subjunctive for the verb following cuando.