Future events with "cuando"
When referring to an event that hasn't happened yet, cuando (when) triggers the subjunctive mood. Spanish uses the subjunctive here because the future action is still pending, rather than an established fact.
| When I am an adult, I want to be rich. | Cuando sea adulta, quiero ser rica. |
| When we become independent, we are going to plan our life. | Cuando nos independicemos, vamos a planear nuestra vida. |
Notice that the main part of the sentence uses a future-leaning tense, such as the present to state a desire (quiero) or ir a + infinitive to state a plan (vamos a planear).
This structure is perfect for discussing long-term life plans, milestones, and growing older.
| What do you plan to do when you retire, Mom? | ¿Qué planeas hacer cuando te jubiles, mamá? |
| When the grandfather passes away, she is going to inherit the house. | Cuando el abuelo fallezca, ella va a heredar la casa. |
The cuando clause can also come in the second half of the sentence.
| My husband is going to think about the future when he retires. | Mi marido va a pensar en el futuro cuando se jubile. |
| Our daughter is going to plan the future when she becomes independent. | Nuestra hija va a planear el futuro cuando se independice. |
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