Subordinating conjunctions join a subordinate (dependent) clause to a main (independent) clause. They explain the reason, time, condition, purpose, or contrast of the action in the main clause. The sentence cannot stand alone without the main clause.
Key Spanish Subordinating Conjunctions
Below are the most common types of subordinating conjunctions in Spanish, grouped by the ideas they express. Each group includes example sentences to show how they are used.
1. Cause / Reason — porque, ya que, puesto que
These conjunctions explain why something happens.
| Spanish Conjunction | Example (Spanish) |
|---|---|
| porque | No fui a la fiesta porque estaba enfermo. |
| English Translation | Example (English) |
2. Time — cuando, mientras, tan pronto como, hasta que
These conjunctions indicate when something happens.
| Spanish Conjunction | Example (Spanish) |
|---|---|
| cuando | Llámame cuando llegues. |
| English Translation | Example (English) |
3. Condition — si, a menos que, con tal de que
These conjunctions set a condition for something to happen.
| Spanish Conjunction | Example (Spanish) |
|---|---|
| si | Si estudias, pasarás el examen. |
| English Translation | Example (English) |
4. Purpose — para que, a fin de que
These conjunctions express the purpose of an action.
| Spanish Conjunction | Example (Spanish) |
|---|---|
| para que | Estudio mucho para que mis padres estén orgullosos. |
| English Translation | Example (English) |
5. Contrast / Concession — aunque, a pesar de que, mientras que
These conjunctions introduce a contrast or unexpected result.
| Spanish Conjunction | Example (Spanish) |
|---|---|
| aunque | Aunque hace frío, saldré a correr. |
| English Translation | Example (English) |
6. Result — así que, de modo que
These conjunctions show a result or consequence.
| Spanish Conjunction | Example (Spanish) |
|---|---|
| así que | Estaba cansado, así que me acosté temprano. |
| English Translation | Example (English) |
Usage Tips
- The verb in the subordinate clause follows the rules of normal sentence structure.
- In many cases, the subjunctive mood is used in the subordinate clause, especially after conjunctions of condition, purpose, and concession (e.g., aunque, a menos que, para que). This signals doubt, uncertainty, or non-realization.
- Subordinating conjunctions cannot stand alone; they must link to a main clause.
Summary
Subordinating conjunctions in Spanish introduce dependent clauses that explain cause, time, condition, purpose, contrast, or result. They are essential for showing complex relationships between ideas in a sentence.
Here are the most important sets of subordinating conjunctions in Spanish, along with their English translations and example sentences. Each set expresses a different relationship between the clauses.
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Last updated: Thu Jul 17, 2025