Mastery of transition words and phrases can greatly enhance your Spanish speaking and writing skills. If you want to express the notion of “since then” in Spanish, this guide is precisely what you need. Whether you are engaging in a casual conversation or writing a formal document, we’ll cover various ways to convey this concept. Let’s delve into the phrases, tips, and examples to help you seamlessly incorporate “since then” into your Spanish vocabulary.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions for “Since Then” in Spanish
When you are writing in a formal context, such as in business correspondence, academic papers, or official documents, it is pertinent to use appropriate and refined language. Here are a few commonly used phrases for expressing “since then” formally:
a. Desde entonces
The phrase “desde entonces” is the most straightforward and common way to express “since then” in Spanish. It is widely understood and accepted in formal contexts. Let’s see some examples:
El proyecto se inició en 2015, y desde entonces hemos obtenido resultados impresionantes.
The project started in 2015, and since then, we have achieved impressive results.
b. A partir de ese momento
Another formal option is the phrase “a partir de ese momento,” which specifically emphasizes the starting point of a particular event or situation. It gives a more precise indication of when the change occurred:
Tomé la decisión de cambiar mi estilo de vida por completo y a partir de ese momento me dediqué a mi salud.
I made the decision to completely change my lifestyle, and since then, I have been dedicated to my health.
2. Informal Expressions for “Since Then” in Spanish
When engaging in a casual conversation with friends, family, or colleagues, it is important to use expressions that have a relaxed and friendly tone. Here are a couple of informal ways to express “since then” in Spanish:
c. Desde ese entonces
“Desde ese entonces” is an informal variation of “desde entonces” and is commonly used in everyday conversations. It has a slightly more colloquial feel:
Conocí a Juan en la universidad, y desde ese entonces hemos sido inseparables.
I met Juan in college, and since then, we have been inseparable.
d. Desde eso
An even more informal way to convey “since then” is to use the phrase “desde eso.” It is common in informal spoken Spanish, particularly in certain regions:
Viajé a Argentina hace dos años y desde eso me enamoré de su cultura.
I traveled to Argentina two years ago, and since then, I fell in love with its culture.
3. Additional Tips and Variations
When using expressions for “since then,” consider the following tips and variations:
e. Regional Variations
While the above phrases are widely understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world, it’s worth mentioning that regional variations might exist. Some countries or regions may have their own unique expressions for “since then.” Therefore, it can be beneficial to familiarize yourself with local variations when interacting with specific communities.
f. Using “desde” Alone
In certain contexts, you can also simply use the preposition “desde” on its own to express the notion of “since then.” This approach is more common in spoken Spanish:
Comencé a estudiar música hace un año, y desde siento que he encontrado mi pasión.
I started studying music a year ago, and since then, I feel like I have found my passion.
g. Synonyms for “Entonces”
In some cases, you might come across sentences where “entonces” (then) is used in place of “desde entonces.” While “entonces” directly translates to “then,” it can occasionally convey the meaning of “since then” within a particular context:
Nos conocimos en la escuela, y entonces empezamos a jugar juntos.
We met at school, and since then, we started playing together.
By employing these tips and variations, you can ensure the appropriate usage of “since then” in different situations, whether formal or informal.
Conclusion
Congratulations on reaching the end of this comprehensive guide on how to say “since then” in Spanish. Remember, “desde entonces” is the standard formal expression, while “desde ese entonces” and “desde eso” are commonly used in informal conversations. Keep in mind regional variations when interacting with specific communities.
Practicing these phrases, tips, and examples will help you incorporate “since then” seamlessly into your Spanish conversations and written expressions. ¡Buena suerte!
