¿Cuándo estás libre?
The Spanish phrase for "when are you free?" is ¿Cuándo estás libre?
This phrase is used to ask someone when they have available time to meet or do something.
What does it mean word for word?
In this context, the word libre means "free" in the sense of being unoccupied or available, rather than the sense of being free of charge (gratis).
Which one should you use?
While ¿Cuándo estás libre? asks about being unoccupied, the phrase ¿Cuándo tienes tiempo? focuses more specifically on the availability of time itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are asking a group of people when they are free, use the plural form ¿Cuándo están libres?
Did you know?
- In some regions, people use the phrase ¿Tienes un hueco? which literally asks if you have a 'gap' or 'hole' in your schedule.
- The word libre shares a common ancestor with the English word 'law', tracing back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'people'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, asking ¿Cuándo estás libre? may be met with a vague answer like A ver or Luego hablamos, which can mean the person is not actually free but is being polite.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuándo está disponible para reunirse?When are you available to meet?
- ¿Podría decirme cuándo tiene tiempo libre para una llamada?Could you tell me when you have free time for a call?
- ¿Cuándo estás libre para tomar un café?When are you free to grab a coffee?
- ¿Cuándo tienes tiempo para salir a cenar?When do you have time to go out for dinner?
Example conversation
Daniel is calling María to ask her out for lunch.
- DanielHola María, ¿cuándo estás libre?Hi María, when are you free?
- MaríaEstoy libre el jueves por la tarde.I am free on Thursday afternoon.
- DanielPerfecto, ¿nos vemos a las dos?Perfect, shall we meet at two?
- MaríaSí, me parece muy bien.Yes, that sounds great to me.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuándo, libre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
