Spanish · B1 · Family moment
Growing More Independent in Spanish
This guide focuses on describing how habits and behaviors have changed over time, specifically using the conjunction 'desde que' (since) to link a past starting point to a current state of growth.
What you'll learn
- Express temporal relationships using 'desde que'.
- Describe changes in a child's routine and independence.
- Use the indicative mood to state facts about past events that have lasting effects.
Spanish phrases for growing more independent
Desde que tienes gafas, disfrutas más de la lectura.
Since you got your glasses, you have enjoyed reading more.
Use 'disfrutar de' to express enjoyment of an activity.
Desde que empezamos a ir al colegio andando, nuestras mañanas son más tranquilas.
Since we started walking to school, our mornings have felt calmer.
'Ir andando' is a natural way to say 'walking' as a mode of transport.
Haces tu propia mochila desde que pusimos la lista al lado de la puerta.
You have packed your own bag since we put the checklist by the door.
'Hacer la mochila' is the common phrase for packing a school bag.
Desde que te apuntaste al club de fútbol, duermes mejor.
Since you joined the football club, you have slept better.
'Apuntarse' is a reflexive verb meaning to join or sign up for something.
Desde que se te empezó a mover el diente, masticas con más cuidado.
Since your tooth became loose, you have chewed more carefully.
'Se te empezó a mover' describes the accidental or natural process of a tooth loosening.
Ahorras algo de dinero cada semana desde que empezaste a recibir la paga.
You have saved some money every week since you started getting pocket money.
'La paga' is the standard Spanish term for a child's allowance or pocket money.
Desde que pasamos la hora de los deberes a después de la merienda, te concentras mejor.
Since we moved homework time to after your snack, you have found it easier to concentrate.
'Merienda' refers to the typical afternoon snack in Spanish culture.
Desde que tu amigo se mudó cerca, jugáis juntos más a menudo.
Since your friend moved nearby, you have played together more often.
'Mudarse' is used for changing one's place of residence.
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
La paga
pocket money / allowance
A regular amount given to children by parents.
Masticar
to chew
A basic verb for eating habits.
Apuntarse
to sign up / join
Very common for extracurricular activities.
Deberes
homework
Always used in the plural in Spain; 'tarea' is more common in Latin America.
Temporal Clauses with 'Desde que'
To indicate the starting point of a continuing action or state, Spanish uses 'desde que'. When referring to a completed past event that triggered the change, we use the Indicative mood (Preterite or Imperfect).
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Point (Preterite) | desde que + [past verb] | Desde que nació... |
| Resulting State (Present) | [present verb] + desde que... | Leo más desde que tengo tiempo. |
More examples
Desde que aprendiste a atarte los cordones, eres más rápido.
Since you learned to tie your laces, you are faster.
Focuses on a specific skill leading to a general change.
Desde que cenamos temprano, todos descansamos mejor.
Since we started having dinner early, we all rest better.
Refers to a collective family habit change.