cuando quieras
/kwando kjeɾas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "ready when you are" is translated into Spanish as cuando quieras.
A phrase used to tell someone that you are prepared to start as soon as they are.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase cuando quieras literally means "when you want".
Which one should you use?
You may use cuando quiera if you are addressing someone formally. In certain regions, such as where Rioplatense Spanish is spoken, the variation cuando vos quieras is used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Rioplatense Spanish, the variation Listo/a cuando vos quieras is used, which employs vos instead of tú.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the subjunctive mood because it refers to an unspecified or future time. When speaking to someone formally, you should use the form cuando quiera instead of cuando quieras.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase cuando quieras can be used ironically to shut down a conversation or express skepticism about someone's claimed ability.
- The Spanish word cuando descends from the Latin word 'quandō', making it a very distant relative of the English word 'cue'.
- While cuando quieras is used for readiness, Spanish often uses the word listo to mean both 'ready' and 'smart'.
Examples in context
- Estoy listo/a cuando tú lo estés para comenzar la reunión.I'm ready when you are to start the meeting.
- Estoy listo/a cuando quieras salir a pasear.I'm ready whenever you want to go for a walk.
- Estoy listo/a cuando usted quiera comenzar la presentación.I'm ready when you want to start the presentation.
- Podemos salir cuando quieras.We can leave when you want.
- Estoy disponible cuando quieras hablar.I am available whenever you want to talk.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are preparing to go for a walk.
- MaríaMateo, ¿ya tienes tus zapatos?Mateo, do you have your shoes on yet?
- MateoSí, ya estoy listo.Yes, I'm ready now.
- MaríaPerfecto, nos vamos cuando quieras.Perfect, we'll go whenever you are ready.
- Mateo¡Vámonos ahora mismo!Let's go right now!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuando, CC BY-SA 4.0.
