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B1 conjunction #2,000 الأكثر شيوعاً 11 دقيقة للقراءة

desde que

الأكثر شيوعاً #2,000

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح desde que في 30 ثانية

الشرح desde que in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to talk about your past and how it connects to your present. 'Desde que' might seem a bit complex because it requires you to know how to conjugate verbs in the past tense (like the Preterite). However, you can start using it in very simple sentences to describe major life changes. For example, 'Desde que vivo en España, hablo español' (Since I live in Spain, I speak Spanish). At this stage, focus on the fact that 'desde' means 'since' and the 'que' is like a bridge that lets you put a whole action after it. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just think of it as a way to say 'Starting from the moment that...'. It helps you move beyond just saying 'I live in Spain' to explaining how your life has changed. You might use it to talk about your hobbies, your family, or your new home. It's a great way to make your basic Spanish sound more connected and natural. Remember: if you follow 'desde' with a word like 'Monday' or '2023', you don't need the 'que'. But if you follow it with a word like 'I arrived' or 'I started', you must include the 'que'. This is a small rule that will make a big difference in how people understand you. Try to practice with one or two verbs you know well, like 'llegar' (to arrive) or 'empezar' (to start).

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

As an A2 learner, you are expanding your ability to describe your personal history and daily routines. 'Desde que' becomes very useful here because you are starting to use the Preterite and Imperfect tenses more confidently. You can use 'desde que' to connect two different times in your life. For example, 'Desde que empecé este curso, he aprendido mucho' (Since I started this course, I have learned a lot). Notice how the first part is a specific event in the past (Preterite) and the second part is what has happened since then. You can also use it with the present tense to describe habits: 'Desde que tengo perro, camino mucho más' (Since I have a dog, I walk much more). At this level, it's important to distinguish 'desde que' from 'desde hace'. Remember that 'desde hace' is for a period of time (for two years), while 'desde que' is for a specific event (since I moved). You will often hear 'desde que' in conversations about health, work, and family. It allows you to give more detail than just a simple date. Instead of saying 'I've been happy since January', you can say 'I've been happy since I finished my exams'. This makes your Spanish more descriptive and interesting to the person you are talking to. Practice using it with common verbs like 'vivir', 'trabajar', and 'estudiar'.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex sentence structures and temporal relationships. 'Desde que' is a key tool for this. You should now be comfortable using it to link different tenses, such as the Preterite with the Present Perfect or the Imperfect with the Present. For instance, 'Desde que se mudaron a esa casa, no han dejado de hacer reformas' (Since they moved to that house, they haven't stopped doing renovations). You should also be aware of the nuance it brings to your storytelling. It doesn't just mark time; it often implies a cause-and-effect relationship. At B1, you should also be careful not to confuse 'desde que' (temporal) with 'ya que' (causal). While both can be translated as 'since' in English, 'desde que' is only for time. You might also start to see 'desde que' used in more formal contexts, like news reports or business emails, to provide context for ongoing situations. Another important aspect at this level is the word order; you can put the 'desde que' clause at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis: 'Desde que empezó la crisis, muchas cosas han cambiado'. This flexibility allows you to vary your speaking and writing style. You should also be practicing the correct use of the indicative mood after 'desde que', as this is the standard for referring to real past events. Mastery of this conjunction is a sign that you are moving into intermediate territory and can handle the 'flow' of time in Spanish.

At the B2 level, you should use 'desde que' with total fluency and precision. You are now able to use it in more abstract or professional contexts. For example, you might discuss social trends: 'Desde que se popularizaron las redes sociales, la comunicación interpersonal ha sufrido una transformación radical'. You should also be able to handle more complex verb combinations, including the past perfect or conditional in the main clause. For instance, 'Habría sido más fácil desde que lo mencionaste' (It would have been easier since you mentioned it). At this level, you should also be aware of regional variations and the occasional use of the subjunctive in literary or specific dialectal contexts, though you should stick to the indicative for standard communication. You can also use 'desde que' to create sophisticated narratives where the starting point of an action is a complex clause itself: 'Desde que nos dimos cuenta de que el proyecto no era viable, empezamos a buscar alternativas'. This shows a high level of control over subordinate clauses. You should also be adept at using 'desde que' in combination with other temporal markers to create a precise timeline. For example, 'Desde que, hace ya una década, se firmó el tratado...'. This level of detail is what distinguishes a B2 learner. You are no longer just describing your life; you are analyzing events and their long-term consequences using 'desde que' as a primary logical connector.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C1 level, 'desde que' is a tool for nuance and stylistic variety. You understand that while its primary function is temporal, it carries a heavy weight of 'consequence'. You can use it to set the stage for complex arguments or to describe subtle shifts in perspective. For example, 'Desde que el autor adoptó un tono más introspectivo, su obra ha ganado en profundidad'. You are also capable of recognizing and using 'desde que' in highly formal or archaic texts where it might interact with the subjunctive in ways that imply 'whenever' or 'as soon as', though you know this is rare in modern speech. You can also use it to express irony or sarcasm: 'Desde que eres un experto, ya no escuchas a nadie'. At this level, your use of 'desde que' should be seamless, integrated into long, complex sentences without hesitation. You should also be able to explain the grammatical difference between 'desde que' and other similar structures to lower-level learners, demonstrating a deep metalinguistic awareness. You might use it in academic writing to establish the chronological scope of a study: 'Desde que se obtuvieron los primeros resultados, la hipótesis ha sido revisada en múltiples ocasiones'. The phrase becomes a way to manage the 'architecture' of your discourse, allowing you to build logical bridges between historical events and current conclusions. Your mastery is reflected in your ability to choose 'desde que' over 'desde' or 'desde hace' instinctively, even in high-pressure speaking situations.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, 'desde que' is used with the effortless precision of a native speaker. You can employ it in any register, from the most colloquial slang to the most elevated literary prose. You understand the rhythmic and rhetorical value of the phrase. For instance, you might use it in a speech to create a sense of historical momentum: 'Desde que el primer ciudadano alzó la voz, este movimiento no ha hecho más que crecer'. You are also aware of the most subtle nuances, such as how 'desde que' can sometimes subtly overlap with 'siempre que' in certain poetic contexts. You can use it to describe complex emotional states or philosophical concepts: 'Desde que el hombre es hombre, ha buscado respuestas en las estrellas'. In professional or legal writing, you use 'desde que' to define the exact boundaries of a period of liability or right. Your command of the language allows you to play with the structure, perhaps inserting parenthetical remarks between 'desde' and 'que' for stylistic effect, though this is rare. You also recognize when 'desde que' is used as a fixed part of certain idioms or regional expressions. Essentially, 'desde que' is no longer a 'grammar rule' for you; it is a versatile thread in the rich tapestry of your Spanish, used to weave together time, cause, and effect with absolute clarity and sophistication. You can analyze its use in classical literature or modern media with equal ease, recognizing it as a fundamental pillar of Spanish temporal logic.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

desde que في 30 ثانية

Used to mean 'since' followed by a verb.
Marks the beginning of an ongoing state or action.
Requires the indicative mood for past/present facts.
Essential for describing life changes and personal history.

The Spanish conjunction desde que is a fundamental temporal marker used to indicate the starting point of an action or state that continues up to another point in time, usually the present. In English, it most directly translates to 'since' or 'ever since' when followed by a clause containing a verb. Unlike the simple preposition 'desde', which is followed by a specific point in time (like 'desde lunes' or 'desde 1990'), desde que functions as a bridge connecting a subordinate clause—the event that triggered the change—to the main clause of the sentence. This structure is essential for narrating personal histories, tracking progress, and describing evolving situations.

Temporal Origin: It marks the exact moment an ongoing state began, acting as the 'T-zero' for the subsequent narrative.

No he vuelto a ese restaurante desde que cambiaron al chef.

Understanding 'desde que' requires recognizing its role in the aspectual flow of Spanish. It doesn't just point to a date; it points to an event. For instance, 'desde mi infancia' (since my childhood) uses the preposition, but 'desde que era niño' (since I was a child) uses the conjunction because 'era' is a verb. This distinction is a common hurdle for English speakers who use 'since' for both scenarios. Furthermore, the conjunction implies a continuity; the effect of the starting event is often still felt or the state it initiated is still ongoing.

Mi vida es diferente desde que vivo en Madrid.

Syntactic Function: It introduces a subordinate temporal clause that modifies the main verb of the sentence, establishing a chronological anchor.

In many contexts, 'desde que' is used to highlight a significant life change. It is deeply linked to the concept of 'antes y después' (before and after). When a speaker uses this phrase, they are often inviting the listener to compare the current state of affairs with how things were before the specified event occurred.

Todo ha mejorado desde que tomamos esa decisión.

Semantic Range: It covers both specific moments (since I arrived) and broader periods (since I have been working here).

Estamos esperando desde que salió el sol.

Él no ha llamado desde que se pelearon.

To master 'desde que', one must also understand what it is not. It is not 'hace' (ago) and it is not 'ya que' (since/because). It is strictly a temporal marker. When you use it, you are drawing a line in the sand of time and saying, 'Everything changed from this point forward.' It is one of the most powerful tools in Spanish for creating complex, time-aware sentences that move beyond simple present-tense statements.

Using desde que correctly involves a specific grammatical formula: [Main Clause] + desde que + [Subordinate Clause with Verb]. The verb following 'desde que' is almost always in the indicative mood when referring to a real event that happened in the past or is happening in the present. This is because the speaker is asserting a fact about a point in time.

The Indicative Rule: Use the Preterite for a specific completed action (desde que llegó) or the Imperfect for an ongoing state in the past (desde que vivía allí).

No como carne desde que vi ese documental.

One of the most common patterns is using the Present Perfect in the main clause to show the result of the action that started at the 'desde que' point. For example, 'He estado muy feliz desde que te conocí' (I have been very happy since I met you). Here, the meeting is a finished point in the past (Preterite), and the happiness is an ongoing state (Present Perfect).

Han pasado tres años desde que nos graduamos.

Sentence Placement: While usually placed in the middle, you can start a sentence with 'Desde que' for emphasis. 'Desde que te fuiste, nada es igual.'

Another advanced use involves the present tense in both clauses to describe a habitual state that began at a certain point and continues. 'Desde que trabajo aquí, tomo mucho café' (Since I've been working here, I drink a lot of coffee). This implies the 'working here' is the ongoing condition that triggered the 'drinking coffee' habit.

Desde que soy padre, duermo mucho menos.

The Subjunctive Exception: In some regions, 'desde que' can be followed by the subjunctive to mean 'as soon as' regarding future events (e.g., 'Desde que llegue, te llamo'), though 'en cuanto' is more standard.

La ciudad ha crecido mucho desde que se construyó el metro.

¿Qué has hecho desde que nos vimos por última vez?

Mastery of this phrase also involves knowing when to combine it with other temporal markers. For example, 'Desde que empecé a estudiar español hace dos años...' (Since I started studying Spanish two years ago...). Here, 'desde que' introduces the event of starting, and 'hace dos años' specifies when that event happened. This layering of time is what makes Spanish narratives rich and precise. Always remember that 'desde que' is the glue that attaches a whole action to the timeline of your life or story.

You will encounter desde que in almost every corner of Spanish life, from the most casual conversations to the lyrics of chart-topping reggaeton hits and the formal prose of news reports. It is a 'high-frequency' phrase because humans are naturally inclined to tell stories based on cause and effect or chronological shifts. In daily life, you'll hear it when people talk about their health ('Desde que hago yoga, me duele menos la espalda'), their relationships ('Desde que nos casamos, viajamos más'), or their careers ('Desde que cambié de empresa, estoy más estresado').

In Music and Pop Culture: Songs often use 'desde que' to express longing or change after a breakup. Think of titles like 'Desde que te fuiste' (Since you left).

'Nada es igual desde que no estás aquí', dice la canción.

In news media, 'desde que' is used to provide context for statistics or social changes. A journalist might say, 'La economía ha mejorado desde que se implementaron las nuevas leyes' (The economy has improved since the new laws were implemented). It provides a logical anchor for the data being presented. In literature, it serves as a narrative device to transition between time periods or to explain a character's motivation.

El pueblo ha estado en silencio desde que ocurrió la tragedia.

In Professional Contexts: Used in reports to track project milestones: 'Desde que lanzamos la aplicación, hemos tenido mil descargas.'

In social media, you'll see it in 'glow-up' posts or 'before and after' captions. 'Mi piel ha cambiado mucho desde que uso este producto' (My skin has changed a lot since I've been using this product). It's the perfect phrase for testimonials and reviews.

'¿Cómo te sientes desde que empezaste el gimnasio?', preguntó mi amigo.

In Family Gatherings: Elders often use it to reminisce: 'Desde que tu abuelo se jubiló, no para de trabajar en el jardín.'

No nos vemos desde que éramos pequeños.

El precio de la luz ha subido desde que empezó el invierno.

Whether you are watching a soap opera (telenovela) where a character cries about how their life has been ruined 'desde que' a secret was revealed, or reading a technical manual about how a machine has functioned 'desde que' it was installed, the phrase is ubiquitous. It is the linguistic thread that weaves together the past and the present in the Spanish-speaking world.

The most frequent error learners make with desde que is confusing it with other temporal expressions like 'desde hace', 'hace', or simply 'desde'. Because English uses 'since' and 'for' in ways that don't perfectly map to Spanish, it's easy to get tripped up.

Mistake 1: Omitting the 'Que': Incorrect: 'Desde llegué...' Correct: 'Desde que llegué...' You must use 'que' if a verb follows.

*Desde llegué a casa, tengo sueño. (Incorrect) -> Desde que llegué a casa, tengo sueño. (Correct)

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Desde Hace': Learners often say 'desde que cinco años' when they mean 'desde hace cinco años'. 'Desde que' needs an event, not a duration.

*Estudio español desde que dos meses. (Incorrect) -> Estudio español desde hace dos meses. (Correct)

Another common pitfall is using the subjunctive when the indicative is required. While many conjunctions in Spanish (like 'cuando' or 'hasta que') trigger the subjunctive for future events, 'desde que' is primarily used for things that have already started, thus requiring the indicative. Using the subjunctive for a past event ('desde que llegara') is a common error for those over-applying subjunctive rules.

*No fumo desde que mi hijo naciera. (Incorrect) -> No fumo desde que mi hijo nació. (Correct)

Mistake 3: Using 'Ya que' instead: In English, 'since' can mean 'because' (Since you're here, help me). In Spanish, 'desde que' is ONLY temporal. For 'because', use 'ya que' or 'puesto que'.

*Desde que estás aquí, ayúdame. (Incorrect meaning) -> Ya que estás aquí, ayúdame. (Correct)

No he dormido bien desde que empezó el ruido. (Correct temporal use)

Finally, some learners try to use 'desde que' with an infinitive. While some prepositions allow this ('antes de comer'), 'desde que' requires a conjugated verb. You cannot say 'desde que llegar'; you must say 'desde que llegué' or 'desde mi llegada'. Avoiding these common traps will significantly improve your fluency and make your descriptions of time much clearer to native speakers.

To truly understand desde que, we must compare it to its closest linguistic relatives. Spanish has a rich vocabulary for time, and choosing the wrong one can change your meaning entirely.

Desde vs. Desde que: 'Desde' is a preposition used with nouns (desde ayer). 'Desde que' is a conjunction used with verbs (desde que ayer nos vimos).

Vivo aquí desde 2010. vs. Vivo aquí desde que me casé.

Desde hace vs. Desde que: 'Desde hace' is for duration (for/since X time ago). 'Desde que' is for a specific event that marks the start.

Te espero desde hace una hora. vs. Te espero desde que abrieron la tienda.

Ya que / Puesto que vs. Desde que: These are causal (because). 'Desde que' is strictly temporal. Do not use 'desde que' to give a reason for something unless that reason is also the starting point in time.

Ya que no hay pan, comeré fruta. (Because there is no bread...)

A partir de vs. Desde que: 'A partir de' is often used for future starting points or new rules (Starting from...). 'Desde que' is more about the historical starting point of an ongoing state.

A partir de mañana, no fumamos. vs. No fumamos desde que nació el bebé.

Tan pronto como vs. Desde que

While 'tan pronto como' (as soon as) focuses on the immediacy of the next action, 'desde que' focuses on the duration that follows that action. They are related but emphasize different parts of the timeline. In summary, 'desde que' is your go-to for 'since' + verb. If you keep that simple rule in mind and distinguish it from durations (desde hace) and reasons (ya que), you will navigate Spanish time markers with the precision of a native speaker.

How Formal Is It?

مستوى الصعوبة

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Temporal clauses

Indicative vs Subjunctive

Prepositions of time

Present Perfect usage

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

Desde que vivo aquí, soy feliz.

Since I live here, I am happy.

Simple present in both clauses.

No fumo desde que corro.

I don't smoke since I run.

Connecting a habit to a change.

Desde que llegué, tengo sueño.

Since I arrived, I am sleepy.

Preterite 'llegué' marks the start.

¿Qué haces desde que estás en casa?

What do you do since you are at home?

Question format.

Desde que estudio, hablo más.

Since I study, I speak more.

Present tense for ongoing action.

Ella baila desde que es niña.

She dances since she is a girl (since she was a child).

Using 'ser' to define a period.

Desde que sale el sol, trabajamos.

Since the sun comes up, we work.

Natural event as a starting point.

No veo a Juan desde que se fue.

I don't see Juan since he left.

Preterite 'se fue' as the anchor.

Desde que compramos el coche, viajamos más.

Since we bought the car, we travel more.

Preterite for the completed action.

He aprendido mucho desde que empecé el curso.

I have learned a lot since I started the course.

Present Perfect + Preterite.

Desde que vivo solo, cocino todos los días.

Since I live alone, I cook every day.

Habitual present.

No nos hablamos desde que nos peleamos.

We don't speak to each other since we fought.

Reflexive verbs.

Desde que tengo este trabajo, gano más dinero.

Since I have this job, I earn more money.

Ongoing state in the present.

¿Has visto a María desde que volvió de Italia?

Have you seen Maria since she returned from Italy?

Perfect tense in the question.

Desde que abrieron la tienda, hay mucha gente.

Since they opened the store, there are many people.

Third person plural 'they' (impersonal).

Mi vida cambió desde que te conocí.

My life changed since I met you.

Both verbs in Preterite.

Desde que se jubiló, mi abuelo está muy activo.

Since he retired, my grandfather is very active.

Reflexive 'jubilarse'.

Han pasado cinco años desde que nos graduamos.

Five years have passed since we graduated.

Measuring time with 'pasar'.

Desde que practico meditación, duermo mucho mejor.

Since I practice meditation, I sleep much better.

Ongoing habit.

No ha llovido nada desde que empezó el verano.

It hasn't rained at all since summer started.

Weather expressions.

Desde que te fuiste, la casa se siente vacía.

Since you left, the house feels empty.

Emotional state description.

Todo ha sido más fácil desde que instalamos el software.

Everything has been easier since we installed the software.

Present Perfect for the result.

Desde que soy vegetariano, me siento con más energía.

Since I am a vegetarian, I feel more energetic.

Identity change.

¿Qué ha cambiado en el barrio desde que cerró el cine?

What has changed in the neighborhood since the cinema closed?

Inquiry about consequences.

Desde que se implementó la ley, el crimen ha bajado.

Since the law was implemented, crime has gone down.

Passive 'se' construction.

La empresa ha crecido exponencialmente desde que exportamos.

The company has grown exponentially since we export.

Professional context.

Desde que descubrieron el error, han estado trabajando sin parar.

Since they discovered the error, they have been working non-stop.

Continuous perfect tense.

Mi opinión sobre él cambió desde que supe la verdad.

My opinion of him changed since I knew the truth.

Verbs of knowledge (saber).

Desde que el gobierno anunció las medidas, hay protestas.

Since the government announced the measures, there are protests.

Political context.

Nada ha vuelto a ser igual desde que ocurrió aquel incidente.

Nothing has been the same again since that incident occurred.

Abstract narrative.

Desde que se divorciaron, ella vive en el extranjero.

Since they divorced, she lives abroad.

Life transition.

¿Cómo ha evolucionado la tecnología desde que naciste?

How has technology evolved since you were born?

Reflexive 'nacer' (metaphorical).

Desde que la inteligencia artificial irrumpió en el mercado, todo es distinto.

Since AI burst into the market, everything is different.

Advanced vocabulary (irrumpir).

Su estilo literario ha madurado desde que publicó su primera novela.

His literary style has matured since he published his first novel.

Formal analysis.

Desde que se cuestionaron los cimientos del sistema, la crisis es total.

Since the foundations of the system were questioned, the crisis is total.

Metaphorical language.

No ha habido tregua desde que estalló el conflicto armado.

There has been no truce since the armed conflict broke out.

Military/News register.

Desde que el paciente inició el tratamiento, la mejoría es notable.

Since the patient started the treatment, the improvement is notable.

Medical context.

La brecha social se ha ensanchado desde que se aplicaron los recortes.

The social gap has widened since the cuts were applied.

Socio-economic analysis.

Desde que tengo uso de razón, recuerdo ese viejo roble.

Since I have had the use of reason (as far back as I can remember), I remember that old oak.

Idiomatic expression 'uso de razón'.

¿Acaso no lo sabías desde que te lo advertí la primera vez?

Didn't you know it since I warned you the first time?

Rhetorical question.

Desde que el cosmos se expande, el tiempo cobra sentido.

Since the cosmos expands, time takes on meaning.

Philosophical/Scientific register.

La impronta del autor es visible desde que se analiza su prosa temprana.

The author's imprint is visible since his early prose is analyzed.

Academic criticism.

Desde que la humanidad es tal, la guerra ha sido su sombra.

Since humanity has been such, war has been its shadow.

Existential statement.

No ha cesado el clamor popular desde que se dictó la sentencia.

The popular clamor has not ceased since the sentence was handed down.

Legal/Journalistic register.

Desde que se desvanecieron sus esperanzas, vaga sin rumbo.

Since his hopes vanished, he wanders aimlessly.

Poetic/Literary style.

La fisonomía de la ciudad ha mutado desde que la gentrificación la asoló.

The physiognomy of the city has mutated since gentrification devastated it.

Sophisticated vocabulary.

Desde que se fraguó la traición, el reino vive en zozobra.

Since the betrayal was forged, the kingdom lives in anxiety.

Archaic/Dramatic tone.

¿Cómo osas aparecerte aquí desde que me juraste odio eterno?

How dare you appear here since you swore eternal hatred to me?

High-register dialogue.

تلازمات شائعة

desde que nací

desde que era niño

desde que empezó

desde que llegamos

desde que te vi

desde que se fue

desde que trabajo

desde que vivo

desde que supe

desde que terminó

العبارات الشائعة

Desde que tengo memoria

Desde que el mundo es mundo

Desde que te conozco

Desde que tengo uso de razón

Desde que era pequeño

Desde que pasó aquello

Desde que me acuerdo

Desde que empezó todo

Desde que nos vimos

Desde que cambió la ley

يُخلط عادةً مع

desde que vs desde (preposition)

desde que vs desde hace (duration)

desde que vs ya que (causal)

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Desde que el mundo es mundo (Since the beginning of time)"

"Desde que tengo uso de razón (As far back as I can remember)"

"Desde que Cristo dio las tres voces (A very long time ago - colloquial Spain)"

"Desde que se inventó el pan rebanado (Since sliced bread - rare but used)"

"Desde que las vacas vuelan (Never - sarcastic)"

"Desde que te conozco (Since I've known you - used for emphasis)"

"Desde que era un mico (Since I was a tiny kid)"

"Desde que San Pedro era monaguillo (Since forever/ancient times)"

"Desde que el sol sale (Since the dawn of time)"

"Desde que me parieron (Since I was born - very informal)"

سهل الخلط

desde que vs

أنماط الجُمل

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

omission

Never omit 'que' before a verb.

indicative

Standard for past events.

subjunctive

Used in some dialects for future 'as soon as'.

أخطاء شائعة

Missing the conjunction 'que' before a verb.
Using 'desde que' for duration instead of 'desde hace'.
Using the subjunctive instead of the indicative for a past fact.
Using 'desde que' for a reason (because) instead of time.
Using 'que' with a noun instead of just the preposition 'desde'.

نصائح

The Verb Rule

Always check if there is a verb after 'since'. If there is, use 'desde que'. If it's just a time or noun, use 'desde'.

Don't confuse with 'Ya que'

Remember that 'desde que' is for time, and 'ya que' is for reasons. Don't let the English 'since' trick you!

Natural Flow

Practice saying 'desde que' as one unit. The 'e' at the end of 'desde' and the 'que' often flow together.

Emphasis

Try starting your sentences with 'Desde que' to make your writing sound more sophisticated and narrative.

Tense Spotting

When you hear 'desde que', listen for the Preterite verb. It will tell you exactly when the story began.

Song Lyrics

Look for 'desde que' in Spanish song lyrics. It's a great way to see how it's used to express emotion and change.

No Duration

Never put a number of years or days directly after 'desde que'. Use 'desde hace' for that.

Indicative is Key

Even if the main clause is negative, the verb after 'desde que' usually stays in the indicative because it's a factual starting point.

Event vs Date

Associate 'desde que' with an 'Event' and 'desde' with a 'Date'. Events need the 'que'.

Daily Reflection

Every evening, think of one thing that has changed 'desde que' you woke up this morning.

احفظها

أصل الكلمة

Latin 'de' (from) + 'ex' (out of) + 'de' (from) + 'que' (conjunction).

السياق الثقافي

Often used with 'ya' for emphasis: 'Desde que ya no vivo allí...'

Used extensively by Gabriel García Márquez to weave complex timelines.

In some regions, 'desde que' might be followed by the subjunctive more frequently in informal speech to indicate 'whenever'.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

بدايات محادثة

"¿Qué has hecho desde que nos vimos?"

"¿Cómo ha cambiado tu vida desde que vives aquí?"

"¿Desde que empezaste a estudiar español, qué es lo más difícil?"

"¿Qué no has vuelto a hacer desde que eras niño?"

"¿Desde que trabajas en tu empresa, eres más feliz?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Escribe sobre cómo ha cambiado tu rutina desde que empezó el año.

Describe un evento importante y cómo es tu vida desde que ocurrió.

Reflexiona sobre tus hábitos: ¿qué haces desde que decidiste ser más saludable?

Escribe una carta a un amigo que no ves desde que te mudaste.

¿Cómo ha evolucionado tu ciudad desde que eras pequeño?

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

No, you should say 'desde 2010'. 'Desde que' requires a verb. If you want to use a verb, you could say 'desde que empezó 2010'.

Not always. It can be followed by the present tense if the starting action is still ongoing, like 'desde que vivo aquí' (since I've been living here).

'Desde que' marks an event (since I arrived), while 'desde hace' marks a duration (for two hours).

In standard Spanish for past events, no. Use the indicative. The subjunctive is only used in specific future or literary contexts.

No. In English 'since' can mean 'because', but in Spanish 'desde que' is only for time. Use 'ya que' for 'because'.

Yes, it is very common and adds emphasis to the starting point of the story.

It is neutral and used in all registers, from casual talk to academic writing.

The 'que' acts as a conjunction that allows a full clause (with a subject and verb) to follow the preposition 'desde'.

No. You must use a conjugated verb. Instead of 'desde que llegar', say 'desde que llegué'.

'Desde que' is the perfect translation for 'ever since' in almost all contexts.

سجّل مجاناً للنصائح والملاحظات

اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة

writing

Translate: 'I have been working here since I finished university.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use 'desde que' + Preterite 'terminé'.