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¿cuándo? means when? — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: August 23, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

¿cuándo?

question • /[KWAN-do]/

when?

Example:

¿Cuándo vamos a salir?

When are we going to leave?

🧠 What does ¿cuándo? mean?

The Spanish word '¿cuándo?' means 'when?' in English. It's used to ask questions about time and is one of the most fundamental question words you'll learn in Spanish. Remember the upside-down question mark at the beginning – it's a key part of written Spanish questions!

📚 Extra examples

  • ¿Cuándo es tu cumpleaños?
    When is your birthday?
  • ¿Cuándo llegaste?
    When did you arrive?
  • ¿Cuándo sale el próximo tren?
    When does the next train leave?
  • ¿Para cuándo necesitas el coche?
    When do you need the car by? / For when do you need the car?
  • ¿Cuándo vamos al cine?
    When are we going to the cinema?

💡 Did You Know?

The opening inverted question mark (¿) is a unique feature of written Spanish and helps you identify questions immediately. It's a visual cue that sets Spanish apart!

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'when?' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'when?' is '¿cuándo?'.
How do you pronounce '¿cuándo?' in Spanish?
It's pronounced 'KWAN-doh', with the stress on the first syllable.
How do you use '¿cuándo?' in a sentence?
Use '¿cuándo?' at the beginning of a sentence when asking a question about time, for example: '¿Cuándo es la fiesta?' (When is the party?)
What is the English translation of '¿cuándo?'?
The English translation of '¿cuándo?' is 'when?'.
Does '¿cuándo?' change for gender or number?
No, '¿cuándo?' is an adverb and remains the same regardless of gender or number.
Is '¿cuándo?' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, '¿cuándo?' is extremely common and essential for everyday communication in Spanish.
Does '¿cuándo?' have slang or double meanings?
No, '¿cuándo?' doesn't have any slang or double meanings. It's a straightforward and clear way to ask 'when?'.
Is '¿cuándo?' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, '¿cuándo?' is used the same way in Spain and Latin America.

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