Spanish · B1 · Family moment
Look How Far in Spanish
This guide helps parents talk about their child's growing independence by reflecting on milestones and habits from the past. It focuses on using 'cuando' (when) and frequency phrases like 'cada vez que' (whenever) to differentiate between single events and repeated actions.
What you'll learn
- Distinguish between specific past events (Preterite) and habitual past actions (Imperfect).
- Use 'cuando' to introduce a specific point in time.
- Use 'cada vez que' or 'siempre que' to describe recurring habits in the past.
- Build vocabulary related to childhood milestones and routines.
Spanish phrases for look how far
Cuando te uniste al club el otoño pasado, caminé contigo hasta allí.
When you joined the club last autumn, I walked there with you.
Uses the Preterite (uniste, caminé) for a specific, completed event.
Cada vez que ibas a entrenar el invierno pasado, revisabas tu mochila tú mismo.
Whenever you went to practice last winter, you checked your bag yourself.
'Cada vez que' triggers the Imperfect (ibas, revisabas) for repeated past habits.
Cuando diste tu primera presentación, me senté al fondo.
When you gave your first presentation, I sat at the back.
A single historical moment requires the Preterite (diste, senté).
Cada vez que practicabas una presentación, te escuchaba después de cenar.
Whenever you practised a presentation, I listened after dinner.
Describes a recurring routine using the Imperfect (practicabas, escuchaba).
Cuando tenías nueve años, necesitabas ayuda para organizar tus deberes.
When you were nine, you needed help planning your homework.
Age and ongoing needs in the past use the Imperfect (tenías, necesitabas).
Siempre que tenías un proyecto grande el año pasado, hacíamos un plan juntos.
Whenever you had a big project last year, we made a plan together.
'Siempre que' is used here with the Imperfect to show frequency.
Cuando te quedaste en casa de Maya por primera vez, me llamaste antes de dormir.
When you stayed at Maya's house for the first time, you called me before bed.
Refers to a one-time occurrence using the Preterite (quedaste, llamaste).
Cada vez que te quedabas con amigos el verano pasado, preparabas tus propias cosas.
Whenever you stayed with friends last summer, you packed your own things.
Focuses on the habitual nature of the action using the Imperfect.
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
unirse
to join
Reflexive verb often used for clubs or groups.
revisar
to check / to review
Commonly used for checking bags, work, or lists.
deberes
homework
Common in Spain; 'tarea' is more frequent in Latin America.
por primera vez
for the first time
A phrase that usually signals a specific event requiring the Preterite.
Single Events vs. Habits (Cuando / Cada vez que)
In Spanish, the distinction between a one-time event and a repeated habit is marked by the verb tense. 'Cuando' can be used for both, but the choice of Preterite or Imperfect changes the meaning.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Event (Preterite) | Cuando + Preterite | Cuando llegaste (When you arrived - once). |
| Repeated Habit (Imperfect) | Cada vez que / Cuando + Imperfect | Cuando llegabas (Whenever you used to arrive). |
More examples
Cuando cumpliste cinco años, montaste en bici sin ayuda.
When you turned five, you rode a bike without help.
Specific milestone event.
Cuando eras pequeño, siempre comías manzanas.
When you were little, you always ate apples.
General habit over a period of time.