Breakdown of Cuando tengas un antojo, iremos donde esté el carrito.
tener
to have
un
a, an (masculine)
estar
to be (location/state)
ir
to go
cuando
when (statement)
donde
where (relative)
el carrito
cart (shopping, small)
el antojo
craving
Questions & Answers about Cuando tengas un antojo, iremos donde esté el carrito.
Why is it esté instead of está after donde?
In Spanish, we use donde with the subjunctive when referring to a place that is unknown or unspecific. Since we are talking about a future craving, we don't know exactly where the cart will be yet. Using the subjunctive esté turns 'where' into 'wherever.'
Why do we also use the subjunctive in Cuando tengas?
Just like with donde, we use the subjunctive after cuando when talking about a future event that hasn't happened yet. Since you don't have the craving right now, tengas reflects that future possibility. If you used the indicative (Cuando tienes), it would mean a habitual action: 'Whenever you have a craving (in general)...'
Is it normal to put the verb before the subject, like in donde esté el carrito?
Yes, Spanish word order is quite flexible. In relative clauses like this one, it is very common and natural to place the verb (esté) before the subject (el carrito). You could technically say donde el carrito esté, but putting the verb first flows a bit more naturally to native ears.
What exactly is an antojo?
An antojo is a sudden craving or a whim. In everyday conversation, it is extremely common to use antojo to talk about a sudden, strong desire for a specific snack or type of street food, which is why they are hunting down a carrito (a street food cart).
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