Cuando: Routine vs. the Future
The word cuando (when) takes either the indicative or the subjunctive mood. The choice depends on whether you are describing a routine or an anticipated future event.
Routine Events (Indicative)
Use the indicative mood after cuando for facts or actions that happen regularly, like the predictable life cycle of an insect.
| When the caterpillar rests, it weaves a cocoon. | Cuando la oruga descansa, teje un capullo. |
| The beetle flies when it has wings. | El escarabajo vuela cuando tiene alas. |
| When butterflies fly, they visit the flowers. | Cuando las mariposas vuelan, visitan las flores. |
Future Actions (Subjunctive)
Use the subjunctive mood after cuando for specific events that haven't happened yet.
While English often uses the present tense for these conditions ("When it has wings"), Spanish requires the subjunctive to show the event is still unfulfilled. The main clause will usually feature a future action, like an ir a (going to) phrase.
| When the beetle has wings, it is going to fly to the tree. | Cuando el escarabajo tenga alas, va a volar al árbol. |
| When the caterpillar is in the cocoon, it is going to become a butterfly. | Cuando la oruga esté en el capullo, va a convertirse en una mariposa. |
| When the butterfly visits the flower, we are going to see its wings. | Cuando la mariposa visite la flor, vamos a ver sus alas. |
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