quando
[ˈkʷan.doː]
The Latin word quando means "as soon as" or "at the time that" when used as a conjunction.
Meaning: as soon as, at the time that (conj)
Which one should you use?
While quando can function as an interrogative adverb to ask a question (meaning "when?", such as asking for a specific time), in the context of this conjunction, it is used to mean "at the time that".
How does it change in a sentence?
As a conjunction, quando is used to introduce a subordinate clause of time.
Did you know?
- The word quando is a 'univerbation', meaning it was originally two separate words quam and dō that fused together over time into one.
- While quando denotes a specific point in time, Latin uses different words like dum to describe 'when' as a continuous duration or overlapping period.
- Unlike English, which uses 'when' for general conditions, Latin often prefers si ('if') when the 'when' implies a hypothetical situation.
Examples in context
- Quando hoc facere vis?When do you want to do this?This example shows how to use quando to ask about the timing of a desire.Tatoeba #8452823 by alexmarcelo, translation #2013087 by CK
- Quando te rursus videbo?When will I see you again?This example demonstrates using quando to ask about the timing of a future event.Tatoeba #5049400 by alexmarcelo, translation #3826859 by CK
- Quando natus est infans?When was the baby born?This example illustrates using quando to ask about the time of a past event.Tatoeba #11625251 by carlosalberto, translation #11625225 by carlosalberto
- Quandō venis?When are you coming?
- Scio quandō venturus sis.I know when you will come.
- Ubi videro, veniam.When I see, I will come.
- 184 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marcus and Julia are discussing when to start their journey.
- MarcusQuando sol oriturus est, iter incipiemus.When the sun is about to rise, we will begin the journey.
- JuliaIta, Marce. Tunc via brevior erit.Yes, Marcus. Then the road will be shorter.
- MarcusSero dormire non possumus.We cannot sleep late.
- JuliaConveniemus quando lux redibit.We will meet when the light returns.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry quando, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries quando, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
