Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “since” in Spanish! Whether you are learning the language for academic, personal, or professional reasons, mastering this versatile word is essential to enhance your communication skills. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways of expressing “since” in Spanish, providing you with tips, common examples, and regional variations. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Since” in Spanish
When expressing “since” in formal Spanish, you have several options depending on the context. Let’s explore some common phrases:
- Desde – This is the most commonly used word for “since” in formal Spanish. It is used to denote time or duration. For example:
Desde que llegué temprano, he tenido tiempo para organizar todo. (Since I arrived early, I’ve had time to organize everything.)
- A partir de – This phrase is used to indicate a starting point. It is often used when referring to a specific date or event. For example:
No podré asistir a partir del lunes. (I won’t be able to attend starting from Monday.)
- Desde que – This is another formal construction used with verbs in the indicative mood to express a continuous action or state from a past point. For example:
Trabajo desde que terminé la universidad. (I’ve been working since I finished college.)
Informal Ways to Say “Since” in Spanish
When communicating in informal settings, you may come across different expressions for “since” in Spanish. Here are some common phrases used in informal contexts:
- Desde hace – This informal phrase is widely used to express “since” when talking about a duration or ongoing situation. For example:
Vivo aquí desde hace tres años. (I’ve been living here for three years.)
- Desde que – Just like in formal Spanish, this phrase can also be used in informal language to express a continuous action or state. For example:
No te he visto desde que saliste de vacaciones. (I haven’t seen you since you went on vacation.)
- A contar de – This phrase is more common in some Latin American countries and is used in informal contexts to indicate a starting point. For example:
El proyecto comienza a contar de mañana. (The project starts from tomorrow.)
Regional Variations
Spanish is a diverse language, and different regions may have unique ways of expressing “since.” While the phrases mentioned above are generally understood and widely used, keep in mind that there might be subtle variations. Here are a few examples of regional differences:
- Desde is the most common and widely understood word throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
- Desde que and desde hace are used by speakers in both Spain and Latin America.
- A partir de and a contar de are mainly used in Latin American countries.
It’s important to note that these are just some of the prevalent regional variations, and the usage of “since” might differ slightly depending on the specific country or even within different regions of the same country.
Additional Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you further enhance your understanding of how to say “since” in Spanish:
- When expressing “since” in Spanish, pay attention to verb tenses and moods. The correct tense and mood will depend on the context of the sentence.
- Practice using different phrases with native speakers or language exchange partners to improve your fluency and natural use of “since.”
- Remember that context is crucial when choosing the appropriate translation for “since.” Consider the intended meaning and select the phrase that best conveys your message.
Now let’s look at some more examples to solidify your understanding:
Desde que estudias más, tus notas han mejorado. (Since you study more, your grades have improved.)
He estado esperando desde hace una hora. (I’ve been waiting for an hour.)
La empresa abrirá una nueva sucursal a partir de enero. (The company will open a new branch starting in January.)
No nos hemos visto desde que fuimos al concierto. (We haven’t seen each other since we went to the concert.)
Congratulations! You have now successfully learned how to say “since” in Spanish. Keep practicing and exploring different contexts to further enhance your language skills!
We hope this guide has been helpful to you in your language journey. ¡Buena suerte!
