"As soon as" in Spanish
To indicate an action that happens just before another action starts, we use the following conjunctions to introduce a subordinate time clause that expresses "as soon as":
en cuanto/apenas/tan pronto como = as soon as
En cuanto
Apenas
Apenas abro la puerta de casa, me pongo las zapatillas.As soon as I open the door, I put on my slippers.
No te preocupes, apenas pueda ir al cajero sacaré 50 euros.Don't worry, as soon as I can go to a cash machine [US: automated teller] I will take out 50 euros.
Tan pronto como
Tan pronto como lo pille, lo voy a castigar sin salir dos días.As soon as I get hold of him he will be grounded for two day.
Tan pronto como me doy la vuelta, hace alguna travesura.As soon as I turn my head, he does something naughty.
Important:
The clauses introduced by en cuanto/apenas/tan pronto como can use the indicative or the subjunctive:
- the indicative indicates that the action does happen/did happen, i.e. habitual actions or past actions
- the subjunctive indicates a future action that is yet to happen
These conjunctions are interchangeable - they all convey the same meaning.
See also:
- Cuando + the present subjunctive vs Cuando + the present indicative in Spanish
- Cuando + indicative for past events in Spanish (subordinate time clauses)
Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »
