Spanish · B1 · Family moment
A screen agreement we can keep in Spanish
This guide focuses on setting digital boundaries using conditional time clauses. In Spanish, we use 'siempre que' and 'mientras' to express 'as long as'. These often require the subjunctive mood when they refer to a future condition or a dependency.
What you'll learn
- Use 'siempre que' to express conditions for screen use.
- Use 'mientras' to describe actions that last as long as a condition is met.
- Correctly apply the present subjunctive in subordinate clauses of condition and time.
Spanish phrases for a screen agreement we can keep
Puedes usar esta aplicación siempre que me quede a tu lado.
You can use this app as long as I stay beside you.
'Siempre que' introduces the condition, followed by the subjunctive 'quede'.
Mientras el temporizador esté corriendo, puedes seguir jugando.
As long as the timer is running, you can keep playing.
'Mientras' + subjunctive 'esté' indicates a duration linked to a condition.
Mantendremos el sonido bajo siempre que tu hermana esté leyendo.
We will keep the sound low as long as your sister is reading.
A respectful boundary using the future tense 'mantendremos' and the condition.
Mientras estés en línea, se aplican nuestras reglas de seguridad.
As long as you are online, our safety rules apply.
Use of 'estés' (subjunctive) because the duration is ongoing/conditional.
Puedes mirar aquí siempre que la tableta se quede en el soporte.
You can watch here as long as the tablet stays on the stand.
'Se quede' is the subjunctive form of 'quedarse' (to stay).
Mientras el video esté en pausa, podemos hablar de tu pregunta.
As long as the video is paused, we can discuss your question.
Focusing on the current state as a window for conversation.
Me quedaré cerca siempre que necesites ayuda.
I will stay nearby as long as you need help.
'Necesites' is subjunctive, indicating 'whenever/if' you need it.
Mientras este acuerdo funcione, podemos mantenerlo.
As long as this agreement works, we can keep it.
'Funcione' emphasizes the agreement's effectiveness as a condition.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
temporizador
timer
Essential for managing screen time durations.
acuerdo
agreement / deal
Commonly used for family contracts or rules.
soporte
stand / support
Refers to the physical holder for a tablet or phone.
en línea
online
Standard term for internet connectivity.
Subordinate Clauses with 'Siempre que' and 'Mientras'
To express 'as long as' in a conditional sense, Spanish uses these conjunctions followed by the subjunctive. This shows that the action in the main clause depends on the condition in the subordinate clause being met.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Condition (Siempre que) | siempre que + [subjunctive] | Siempre que respetes las reglas... |
| Duration (Mientras) | mientras + [subjunctive] | Mientras no grites... |
More examples
Mientras no haya problemas, puedes usar la tableta.
As long as there are no problems, you can use the tablet.
Using 'haya' (subjunctive of haber) for a conditional state.
Podemos jugar juntos siempre que termines tu tarea.
We can play together as long as you finish your homework.
A classic parent-child negotiation using 'siempre que'.