siempre que
/ˈsjempɾe ke/
In Spanish, "as long as" is translated as siempre que.
When used to express a condition, siempre que functions as a conditional conjunction meaning "provided that" or "as long as." In this context it is used to establish a requirement that must be met.
Meaning: while (conj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of siempre, meaning "always" and que, meaning "that".
Which one should you use?
In this specific context, siempre que acts as a conditional conjunction meaning "provided that" rather than a temporal conjunction meaning "whenever".
How does it change in a sentence?
When using siempre que to express a condition, the verb in the following dependent clause must be in the subjunctive mood.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsjempɾe ke/
Did you know?
- The word siempre comes from the Latin 'semper', which is also the motto of the US Marine Corps, 'Semper Fidelis'.
- The word que is a cognate of the English word 'who', sharing a common ancestor in Proto-Indo-European.
- Spanish uses siempre que for conditions, but for the physical length of time, it uses mientras or durante.
Examples in context
- ¡Siempre que no nieve!As long as it doesn't snow!This sentence shows how to use siempre que to express a condition regarding snow.Tatoeba #1715765 by marcelostockle, translation #272554 by Luornu
- Puedo ir, siempre que vuelva antes de las cinco.I can go, as long as I'm back by five.This sentence is useful for showing a condition for being able to go somewhere.Tatoeba #1431476 by Shishir, translation #10179121 by DJ_Saidez
- Puedes quedarte aquí siempre que te quedes callado.As long as you keep quiet, you can stay here.This sentence demonstrates a condition for being allowed to stay in a place.Tatoeba #1439159 by Shishir, translation #788263 by hrin
- Mientras cumplas con tus responsabilidades, podrás salir con tus amigos.As long as you fulfill your responsibilities, you can go out with your friends.
- Puedes usar mi coche siempre y cuando lo traigas de vuelta antes de las 10 PM.You can use my car as long as you bring it back before 10 PM.
- Te daré permiso con tal de que me lo pidas educadamente.I will give you permission as long as you ask me politely.
- Puedes usar mi bicicleta siempre que la devuelvas en buen estado.You can use my bike as long as you return it in good condition.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are discussing plans for a movie night.
- MateoPodemos ver una película hoy.We can watch a movie today.
- LucíaEstá bien, siempre que sea de terror.That's fine, as long as it's a horror movie.
- MateoTengo una muy buena en mente.I have a very good one in mind.
- LucíaEntonces me parece perfecto, Mateo.Then it sounds perfect to me, Mateo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry siempre que, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries que, siempre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
