tan pronto como
/ˌtam ˌpɾonto ˈkomo/
The English phrase "as soon as" can be translated into Spanish using several forms, most commonly tan pronto como. Wiktionary also lists apenas and en cuanto.
Meaning: immediately after (conj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| tan pronto como | /ˌtam ˌpɾonto ˈkomo/ |
| apenas | /aˈpenas/ |
| en cuanto | /en ˈkwanto/ |
| ni bien | /ni bjen/ (from spelling rules) |
All these phrases function as conjunctions to mean "immediately after." The phrase en cuanto is one of the most common and versatile ways to express this idea in everyday spoken Spanish.
Which one should you use?
While most forms are direct equivalents, apenas can also mean "hardly" or "scarcely" depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the action you are describing is in the past, the verb following these phrases is typically in the indicative mood.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌtam ˌpɾonto ˈkomo/
Did you know?
- The word apenas has a surprising legal origin, as it comes from the Latin phrase *ad poenam*, meaning 'to the penalty' or 'to the punishment'.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, you can use ni bien to mean 'as soon as', a construction common in parts of South America but less common elsewhere.
- The word apenas can change the tone of a sentence from a simple time marker to a expression of struggle, meaning 'with great difficulty'.
Examples in context
- Me iré en cuanto pueda.I'll leave as soon as possible.This sentence demonstrates using en cuanto.Tatoeba #8935951 by Shishir, translation #8935694 by CK
- Iremos apenas él llegue.We will leave as soon as he comes.This sentence shows how to use apenas.Tatoeba #1451699 by marcelostockle, translation #284262 by CH
- Avísame apenas él llegue.As soon as he comes back, let me know.Tatoeba #1870431 by marcelostockle, translation #283513 by CM
- Tan pronto como llegue a la oficina, me pondré a trabajar.As soon as I arrive at the office, I will start working.
- En cuanto nos envíen las instrucciones, las revisaremos detenidamente.As soon as they send us the instructions, we will review them thoroughly.
- Cuando termine la reunión, le enviaré el informe completo.As soon as the meeting ends, I will send you the complete report.
- Enseguida que termine de comer, saldremos de casa.As soon as I finish eating, we will leave the house.
- Apenas vea a Juan, le contaré la buena noticia.As soon as I see Juan, I will tell him the good news.
- 221 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are planning a trip.
- Daniel¿Cuándo salimos para la playa?When are we leaving for the beach?
- MaríaTan pronto como termines de empacar.As soon as you finish packing.
- DanielEstá bien, terminaré muy rápido.Okay, I will finish very quickly.
- MaríaPerfecto, yo prepararé el coche.Perfect, I will prepare the car.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “as soon as” translations and entries tan pronto como, apenas, en cuanto, ni bien, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apenas, cuanto, en, en cuanto, pronto, tan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
