When talking about emergency protocols or reacting to sudden events, you often need to say what happens "as soon as" something else occurs. In Spanish, we use the word apenas for these immediate sequence clauses.
The mood you use after apenas depends on whether the event has already happened or is expected to happen in the future.
Apenas + Indicative (Past Events)
When you describe a factual event that has already occurred, use the indicative mood. This is perfect for recounting what you did during a drill or an emergency.
| As soon as we heard the alarm, we followed the protocol and looked for the exit. | Apenas escuchamos la alarma, seguimos el protocolo y buscamos la salida. |
| As soon as the drill ended, we had to return to the building. | Apenas terminó el simulacro, tuvimos que volver al edificio. |
| As soon as I used the fire extinguisher, everyone calmed down. | Apenas usé el extintor, todos se calmaron. |
Apenas + Subjunctive (Future Events)
When you are talking about an anticipated event that hasn't happened yet, use the present subjunctive. You will often see this when giving commands, stating obligations, or planning for a future emergency.
| Walk toward the exit as soon as the siren sounds. | Caminen hacia la salida apenas suene la sirena. |
| We must evacuate as soon as the firefighters arrive. | Hay que evacuar apenas lleguen los bomberos. |
| The firefighters are going to use the fire extinguisher as soon as they enter. | Los bomberos van a usar el extintor apenas entren. |
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