Spanish · B1 · Milestone
B1 first milestone in Spanish
At the B1 milestone, you can now connect complex thoughts to describe events and explain how things work. This guide focuses on linking sentences using 'aunque' (although), 'mientras' (while), and 'para que' (so that) during a school discovery day.
What you'll learn
- Express contrast using 'aunque'
- Distinguish between specific and habitual past events using 'cuando' and 'cada vez que'
- Use relative clauses to identify specific objects
- State purpose using the subjunctive mood after 'para que'
Spanish phrases for b1 first milestone
Aunque el desafío parecía difícil, encontré la respuesta.
Although the challenge looked tricky, I found the answer.
'Aunque' is used here with the indicative because it refers to a known fact.
Cuando entramos en la sala de descubrimiento, un voluntario nos dio un mapa.
When we entered the discovery room, a volunteer gave us a map.
'Cuando' with the Preterite tense indicates a completed action in the past.
Cada vez que resolvíamos una pista, recibíamos otra pieza.
Whenever we solved a clue, we received another piece.
'Cada vez que' paired with the Imperfect tense shows a recurring past action.
¿Es esa la máquina que hace burbujas gigantes?
Is that the machine that makes giant bubbles?
'Que' acts as the subject of the relative clause identifying the machine.
Lo probaré con el mango largo de madera.
I will test it with the long wooden handle.
Using the Simple Future tense for an intended action.
Pon la tarjeta de instrucciones entre los cuencos; pertenece allí.
Put the instruction card between the bowls; it belongs there.
'Entre' is a preposition of place used to describe location between objects.
Mientras giras la rueda, yo miraré la lucecita.
While you turn the wheel, I'll watch the little light.
'Mientras' connects two simultaneous actions occurring in the present/future.
Levantaré la tapa para que puedas ver el interior.
I'll lift the lid so that you can see inside.
'Para que' always requires the subjunctive ('puedas') when expressing purpose.
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
El desafío
The challenge
Often used in educational or problem-solving contexts.
La pista
The clue
Essential for scavenger hunts or mysteries.
El mango
The handle
Refers to the part of a tool you hold; not to be confused with 'el mango' (the fruit).
Las burbujas
The bubbles
A fun word for kids' activities.
Purpose Clauses with 'Para que'
To explain 'why' you are doing something for someone else, use 'para que'. In Spanish, this always triggers the subjunctive mood in the following verb.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Action + para que + Subjunctive | Lo explico para que entiendas (I explain it so that you understand). |
Past Time: Cuando vs. Cada vez que
Use 'Cuando' for specific, one-time events in the past (Preterite). Use 'Cada vez que' for habits or repeating events (Imperfect).
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Specific | Cuando + Pretérito | Cuando llegamos... (When we arrived...) |
| Habitual | Cada vez que + Imperfecto | Cada vez que jugábamos... (Every time we played...) |
More examples
Estudiaremos el mapa para que no nos perdamos.
We will study the map so that we don't get lost.
Purpose clause with subjunctive.
Aunque es pequeña, la luz brilla mucho.
Although it is small, the light shines a lot.
Concessive clause using 'aunque'.