B1 Spanish grammar
Cuando with Indicative or Subjunctive in Spanish
Cuando uses indicative for habitual or completed events and present subjunctive for a future event that is still pending. The conjunction itself does not automatically choose the mood.
cuando with subjunctive: Use indicative for habits
When cuando introduces something that regularly happens, use an indicative tense.
Cuando tengo tiempo, cocino.Quick check
When I am tired, I rest.
Use indicative for completed past events
A completed event introduced by cuando uses an appropriate past indicative tense.
Cuando llegué, todos dormían.Use subjunctive for pending future events
After cuando, use present subjunctive when the event has not occurred yet; the main clause can use future, a command, or another future-oriented form.
Te llamaré cuando llegue.Common mistakes
Cuando tenga tiempo, cocino siempre. (habit intended)
Cuando tengo tiempo, cocino.
A habitual condition is presented with indicative.
Cuando llegue ayer, todos dormían.
Cuando llegué, todos dormían.
Ayer requires a past indicative form.
Te llamaré cuando llegaré.
Te llamaré cuando llegue.
Spanish does not use the future after cuando in this pending time clause.
Ready to practise cuando with subjunctive?
Complete an eight-question round and save skill-level progress for future review.
Cuando and mood FAQ
What does cuando and mood cover?
Cuando uses indicative for habitual or completed events and present subjunctive for a future event that is still pending. The conjunction itself does not automatically choose the mood.
What is the first rule to remember?
When cuando introduces something that regularly happens, use an indicative tense.
What is another important B1 pattern?
A completed event introduced by cuando uses an appropriate past indicative tense.
How can I practise cuando with subjunctive?
Complete the focused round, review each correction, and repeat the lesson when its skills become due again.