The word "when" in Spanish is "cuándo" with an accent when used in questions or exclamations to mean "at what moment in time." Without the accent, "cuando" is used as a relative adverb to introduce subordinate clauses, also translated as "when." For example:
- ¿Cuándo es tu cumpleaños? (When is your birthday?)
- El día que llegues, cuando estés listo, avísame. (The day you arrive, when you are ready, let me know.)
The pronunciation of "cuándo" requires touching the tongue to the bottom of the top teeth, somewhat like a hard "th" sound in English. In summary:
- "Cuándo" (with accent) = interrogative or exclamative "when"
- "Cuando" (without accent) = relative adverb "when" used in subordinate clauses
These distinctions are important for correct usage and meaning in Spanish sentences.
