Spanish · B1 · Family moment
After the Disagreement in Spanish
Helping children navigate the aftermath of a conflict involves patience and clear communication. In Spanish, we use specific temporal conjunctions to indicate that one action follows immediately after another, often requiring the subjunctive mood when referring to future events.
What you'll learn
- Use 'en cuanto' and 'tan pronto como' to mean 'as soon as'.
- Understand why the present subjunctive is used for pending or future actions.
- Learn vocabulary related to conflict resolution and emotional state.
Spanish phrases for after the disagreement
En cuanto te sientas más tranquilo, podemos hablar de la discusión.
As soon as you feel calmer, we can talk about the argument.
Uses 'sientas' (subjunctive) because the calming down hasn't happened yet.
Puedes explicar tu versión en cuanto tu amigo termine de hablar.
You can explain your side as soon as your friend finishes speaking.
'Termine' is the subjunctive form of 'terminar'.
Tan pronto como llegues a casa, miraremos el mensaje juntos.
As soon as you get home, we will look at the message together.
'Tan pronto como' is a common alternative to 'en cuanto'.
Te escucharé en cuanto estés listo para hablar.
I will listen as soon as you are ready to talk.
'Estés' is the subjunctive of 'estar'.
Tan pronto como sepas qué la molestó, puedes sugerir una solución.
As soon as you know what upset her, you can suggest a solution.
'Sepas' is the irregular subjunctive form of 'saber'.
Podemos organizar otra visita en cuanto ambos quieran intentarlo de nuevo.
We can arrange another visit as soon as you both want to try again.
'Quieran' refers to a future desire or agreement.
En cuanto él se disculpe, puedes decirle cómo te sientes.
As soon as he apologizes, you can tell him how you feel.
'Disculparse' is a reflexive verb meaning 'to apologize'.
Puedes enviar tu respuesta en cuanto hayas revisado las palabras.
You can send your reply as soon as you have checked the wording.
'Hayas revisado' is the present perfect subjunctive.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
discusión
argument / disagreement
In Spanish, 'discusión' usually implies a verbal fight, not just a casual talk.
disculparse
to apologize
A reflexive verb; use 'pedir perdón' for 'to ask for forgiveness'.
versión
side / version
Used to describe one person's perspective of an event.
tranquilo
calm / quiet
Used with 'estar' to describe a temporary state of being.
Temporal Clauses with the Subjunctive
When using 'en cuanto' or 'tan pronto como' (as soon as) to refer to a future or pending action, the verb in that clause must be in the Subjunctive mood. This is because the action has not occurred yet.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| En cuanto + Subjunctive | En cuanto + [present subjunctive] | En cuanto llegues (As soon as you arrive). |
| Tan pronto como + Subjunctive | Tan pronto como + [present subjunctive] | Tan pronto como él llame (As soon as he calls). |
More examples
En cuanto termines tus deberes, iremos al parque.
As soon as you finish your homework, we will go to the park.
Standard future promise structure.
Tan pronto como ella pida perdón, todo estará bien.
As soon as she says sorry, everything will be fine.
Expressing a condition for reconciliation.