Warnings and threats with "como"
You already know como as "like," "as," or "how." In conversational Spanish, it is also frequently used to mean "if" when issuing a warning or mild threat.
When como is placed at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a negative consequence, it triggers the subjunctive.
| If you don't eat your vegetables, I will take away the tablet. | Como no comas la verdura, te quito la tableta. |
This structure is very common when setting boundaries or dealing with bad behavior:
| If you disobey me again, I will take away your allowance. | Como me desobedezcas otra vez, te quitaré la paga. |
| If you have another tantrum, we are leaving. I am warning you. | Como tengas otra rabieta, nos vamos. Te aviso. |
"Como" vs. "Si"
For a neutral "if/then" statement about the present or future, use si + indicative.
| If you scream so much, you will go mute. | Si chillas tanto, te quedarás mudo. |
To emphasize the warning, swap si for como and change the verb to the present subjunctive. The meaning remains "if," but the tone becomes stern.
| If you scream, I will ignore you. | Como chilles, te ignoraré. |
| If you don't shut up, I am going to punish you until you learn. | Como no te calles, te voy a castigar hasta que aprendas. |
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