Subordinating Conjunctions
las conjunciones subordinantes
Conjunctions used to connect a dependent clause to a main clause, establishing relations of cause, time, or condition.
Subordinating conjunctions in Spanish (las conjunciones subordinantes) link a dependent clause to a main clause. They express various logical relationships, such as cause (porque), purpose (para que), condition (si), concession (aunque), and time (cuando). The choice of conjunction heavily influences whether the dependent clause requires the indicative or subjunctive mood.
Conjunctions expressing certainty, facts, or causes generally take the indicative (e.g., porque, ya que, puesto que). Conjunctions expressing purpose, intent, or hypothetical situations always require the subjunctive mood (e.g., para que, a menos que, con tal de que). Temporal conjunctions like cuando take the indicative for past or habitual events, but require the subjunctive when referring to future actions (e.g., cuando llegue, te llamo).
A major mistake for learners is using the indicative after conjunctions of purpose (e.g., saying para que lo sabes instead of para que lo sepas). Another error is forgetting that temporal conjunctions require the subjunctive when projecting into the future (e.g., saying cuando vendré or cuando vengo instead of cuando venga).
Examples
No voy a la fiesta porque estoy muy cansado.
I am not going to the party because I am very tired.
Te lo explico para que lo entiendas bien.
I explain it to you so that you understand it well.
Cuando llegue a casa, te llamaré sin falta.
When I arrive home, I will call you without fail (future target requires subjunctive).
Aunque haga frío, saldremos a caminar por el parque.
Even if it is cold, we will go for a walk in the park.
Como no tenía dinero, se quedó en casa el sábado.
Since he did not have money, he stayed at home on Saturday.
Related terms
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