cuando ella
/kwando eʝa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "when she" is translated into Spanish as cuando ella.
This phrase is used to introduce a clause describing a time or condition related to a female person.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the phrase refers to a future event that has not yet happened, the verb following cuando ella must be in the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive mood may be used after 'when she' if the sentence expresses doubt, desire or possible action, such as Cuando ella llegue, estaré feliz (When she arrives, I will be happy). If the phrase refers to a habitual action or a past event, the verb following cuando ella is in the indicative mood. The pronoun ella is often omitted in Spanish if the context makes it clear that the subject is female, leaving only cuando to introduce the clause.
Did you know?
- The Spanish pronoun ella was not originally a personal pronoun like the English 'she', but a demonstrative meaning 'that woman'.
- In Spanish, the pronoun ella is so frequently dropped that native speakers often perceive the phrase cuando ella as an intentional way to emphasize her specifically over someone else.
- While cuando ella is used for time, Spanish speakers may instinctively switch to si ella if they feel the event is a gamble rather than a certainty.
Examples in context
- Cuando ella llegue, háblale.When she arrives, talk to her.This example shows how to use cuando ella to introduce a command regarding an arrival.Tatoeba #1547937 by marcelostockle, translation #881458 by CM
- Yo me iré cuando ella regrese.I'll leave when she comes back.This example demonstrates using cuando ella to describe a future departure dependent on her return.Tatoeba #1323422 by marcelostockle, translation #308517 by CK
- No me gusta cuando ella hace eso.I don't like it when she does that.This example shows how to use cuando ella to express a dislike for a habitual action.Tatoeba #1801820 by hayastan, translation #1799708 by Spamster
- Cuando ella llega tarde, me preocupoWhen she arrives late, I worry
- En el momento que ella salió de la habitación, supe que algo pasabaWhen she left the room, I knew something was wrong
- Cada vez que ella canta, emociona a la audienciaEvery time she sings, she moves the audience
- Cuando ella viene a casa, nos divertimosWhen she comes home, we have fun
- Cuando ella estudia, obtiene buenas notas.When she studies, she gets good grades
- Cada vez que ella cocina, todos disfrutamos una deliciosa comida.Every time she cooks, we all enjoy a delicious meal
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are waiting for a friend to arrive at a cafe.
- AlejandroPediré el café cuando ella llegue.I will order the coffee when she arrives.
- MaríaEstá bien, yo esperaré con él.That is fine, I will wait with him.
- AlejandroMe pregunto cuánto tardará cuando ella venga.I wonder how long it will take when she comes.
- MaríaSeguro que ya está muy cerca.I am sure she is very close already.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuando, ella, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
