Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to express the phrase “when I was younger” in Spanish. Whether you’re looking to speak formally or informally, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we explore the various ways this concept is expressed in the Spanish language, offering you tips, examples, and regional variations along the way.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
If you wish to convey “when I was younger” in a formal context, such as in business or academic environments, you can use the following expressions:
1. Cuando era joven
Literal Translation: “When I was young”
This is a straightforward and widely used formal expression to convey the idea of being younger in the past. It is suitable for formal conversations and writing, and it is understood and used throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Example:
Recuerdo cuando era joven y estudiaba en la universidad.
(I remember when I was young and studied at university.)
2. En mi juventud
Literal Translation: “In my youth”
This expression carries a formal tone and is often used when reflecting on actions or experiences from one’s younger days. While it is slightly less common than “cuando era joven,” it is still widely understood and appropriate in formal contexts.
Example:
En mi juventud, solía viajar mucho por Europa.
(In my youth, I used to travel a lot around Europe.)
Informal Expressions
If you’re in a casual setting or having a friendly conversation, the following informal expressions are commonly used to convey “when I was younger” in Spanish:
1. Cuando era chico/a
Literal Translation: “When I was a boy/girl”
This expression is commonly used in many Spanish-speaking countries when referring to one’s childhood or adolescence. It adds a personal touch and is suitable among friends or in informal settings.
Example:
Cuando era chico, solía jugar fútbol todos los días.
(When I was a boy, I used to play soccer every day.)
2. En mis tiempos
Literal Translation: “In my times”
This expression is used in a relaxed manner to refer to a time period from one’s past. It is an informal way of expressing “when I was younger” and is suitable for friendly conversations among peers.
Example:
En mis tiempos, no teníamos smartphones ni redes sociales.
(In my times, we didn’t have smartphones or social media.)
Regional Variations
While the expressions mentioned earlier are widely understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world, there might be some regional variations that offer unique ways to express “when I was younger.” Let’s explore a few of these:
1. De pequeño/a (Spain)
Literal Translation: “When I was little”
In Spain, you may commonly hear the expression “de pequeño” or “de pequeña” to refer to one’s younger years. It is a regional variation of “cuando era chico/a,” commonly used in Latin America.
Example:
De pequeño, siempre pasaba los veranos en la playa.
(When I was little, I always spent summers at the beach.)
2. Cuando era mocito/mocita (Colombia)
Literal Translation: “When I was a youngster”
In some regions of Colombia, particularly on the Caribbean coast, it is common to hear “cuando era mocito” or “cuando era mocita” to convey “when I was younger.” This regional variation adds a local flavor to the expression.
Example:
Recuerdo cuando era mocito y vendía frutas en la plaza.
(I remember when I was a youngster and sold fruits in the square.)
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! You now have a complete guide on how to say “when I was younger” in Spanish. Use the formal expressions for professional settings and the informal ones for friendly conversations. Remember, regional variations, like those mentioned, add a touch of local flair. With these tips, examples, and regional variations, you’ll be able to express yourself confidently and effectively in Spanish when referring to your younger days. ¡Buena suerte!
