Subordinating conjunctions in Spanish link a dependent clause (which cannot stand alone) to an independent clause, establishing a relationship such as cause, time, condition, or contrast.
- The main idea is in the independent clause; the dependent clause adds extra information.
- Common subordinating conjunctions include porque (because), aunque (although), cuando (when), si (if), and mientras (while).
Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
| Conjunction | Meaning | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| porque | because | No salí porque llovía. | I didn’t go out because it was raining. |
| aunque | although | Aunque hace frío, salgo. | Although it’s cold, I go out. |
| cuando | when | Te llamo cuando llegue. | I’ll call you when I arrive. |
| si | if | Si estudias, aprobarás. | If you study, you’ll pass. |
| mientras | while | Escucho música mientras estudio. | I listen to music while I study. |
'Pero' is not a subordinating conjunction; it is a coordinating conjunction.
Usage Notes
- The verb in the dependent clause often changes according to the conjunction’s meaning and context (e.g., mood and tense).
- Dependent clauses introduced by subordinating conjunctions are usually placed after the main clause, but can sometimes start the sentence (in which case the subject-verb of the main clause needs inversion).
The verb changes according to the conjunction’s meaning and context.
Examples in Context
- Porque (cause): No fui a la fiesta porque estaba cansado.
(I didn’t go to the party because I was tired.)
- Aunque (concession): Aunque llueva, iremos al parque.
(Although it rains, we will go to the park.)
- Cuando (time): Te avisaré cuando llegue a casa.
(I will let you know when I get home.)
- Si (condition): Si tienes hambre, come algo.
(If you’re hungry, eat something.)
- Mientras (simultaneity): Mientras cocino, escucho la radio.
(While I cook, I listen to the radio.)
Te llamaré cuando llegue.
To express a reason, use 'porque'.
To express a condition, use 'si'.
Conclusion
Spanish subordinating conjunctions are essential for creating complex sentences and expressing nuanced relationships between ideas.
- They connect dependent clauses to main clauses, showing cause, condition, time, contrast, and more.
- Knowing common conjunctions like porque, aunque, si, cuando, and mientras will greatly expand your expressive power.
They connect dependent and independent clauses.
aunque, porque, and si are subordinating conjunctions; pero and y are not.
Estudio porque quiero aprender.