Spanish · B2 · Family moment
A Short Solo Stretch in Spanish
Helping your child gain independence involves setting clear boundaries. In Spanish, expressing conditions like 'provided that' or 'as long as' often uses the subjunctive mood to indicate that the outcome depends on a specific prerequisite being met.
What you'll learn
- Express conditions for independence using 'siempre que' or 'siempre y cuando'.
- Use the present subjunctive to describe required safety conditions.
- Formulate agreements regarding staying home alone safely.
Spanish phrases for a short solo stretch
Puedes quedarte en casa mientras hago el recado, siempre que te sientas cómodo con el plan.
You can stay home during my short errand, provided that you feel comfortable with the plan.
Uses 'siempre que' + subjunctive 'sientas'.
Podemos intentarlo, siempre y cuando sepas cómo localizarme.
We can give it a try, provided that you know how to reach me.
'Siempre y cuando' is a more emphatic way to say 'provided that'.
Puedes trabajar en tu proyecto mientras estoy fuera, siempre que no implique herramientas que requieran supervisión.
You can work on your project while I'm out, provided that it doesn't involve tools requiring supervision.
Note the use of 'implique' (subjunctive) for the condition.
Puedes usar tus auriculares, siempre que aún puedas oír el timbre y cualquier alarma.
You can use your headphones, provided that you can still hear the doorbell and any alarm.
'Puedas' is the subjunctive form of 'poder'.
Tu amigo puede venir, siempre que lo hayamos acordado con sus padres de antemano.
Your friend can join you, provided that we've agreed on it with their parent beforehand.
Uses the perfect subjunctive 'hayamos acordado' for a completed condition.
Podemos ampliar el tiempo un poco la próxima vez, siempre que este primer intento salga bien.
We can extend the time a little next time, provided that this first try goes well.
'Salga' is the subjunctive of 'salir'.
Puedes elegir cuándo hacer tus deberes, siempre que respetes nuestra hora acordada para avisar que estás bien.
You can choose when to do your homework, provided that you keep our agreed check-in time.
Translates 'keep' as 'respetes' (respect/follow) in this context.
Me parece bien seguir adelante, siempre que ambos hayamos entendido el plan de emergencia.
I'm happy to go ahead, provided that we've both understood the backup plan.
'Plan de emergencia' is a natural way to say 'backup plan' in safety contexts.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
siempre que
provided that / as long as
Triggers the subjunctive when referring to a condition.
siempre y cuando
provided that / on the condition that
Slightly more formal or emphatic than 'siempre que'.
recado
errand
Commonly used for short trips to the store or post office.
de antemano
beforehand / in advance
Useful for establishing prior agreements.
Restrictive Conditionals: Siempre que
To express 'provided that' in Spanish, we use 'siempre que' or 'siempre y cuando'. Unlike the English 'as long as' (which can be temporal), these specific phrases in this context almost always require the Subjunctive because they set a hypothetical condition that must be met.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | [Main Action] + siempre que + [Subjunctive Verb] | Te quedas solo siempre que *seas* responsable. |
| Common Verbs | Saber (to know) -> Sepas | Siempre que *sepas* qué hacer. |
| Past Prerequisite | Haber (auxiliary) -> Hayamos | Siempre que *hayamos* hablado antes. |
More examples
¿Puedo jugar videojuegos? —Sí, siempre que hayas terminado tu tarea.
Can I play video games? —Yes, provided that you have finished your homework.
A classic parent-child negotiation using the perfect subjunctive.
No abriré la puerta a nadie, siempre que tú me lo pidas.
I won't open the door for anyone, as long as that's what you ask of me.
Demonstrates the child confirming the safety rule.