siempre que
Lemma Details
Translation: whenever; as long as; provided that; on condition that
Part of Speech: conjunction
Etymology: Composed of 'siempre' (always) and 'que' (that). 'Siempre' comes from Latin 'semper' (always), while 'que' derives from Latin 'quid' (what). The combination creates a conditional or temporal conjunction that links two clauses where one depends on the other.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Siempre que llueve, me quedo en casa.
Whenever it rains, I stay at home.
Puedes usar mi coche siempre que lo devuelvas con gasolina.
You can use my car as long as you return it with gas.
Te ayudaré siempre que me necesites.
I'll help you whenever you need me.
Siempre que estudies, aprobarás el examen.
Provided that you study, you will pass the exam.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'siempre' (always) + 'que' (that) = 'always that' or 'whenever'
- Remember that when used with subjunctive, it means 'provided that', and when used with indicative, it means 'whenever'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This conjunction is widely used in both spoken and written Spanish to establish conditions or temporal relationships. It's essential for constructing complex sentences in formal and informal contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'siempre que' can mean both 'whenever' (temporal) and 'provided that' (conditional), 'siempre y cuando' is exclusively conditional, meaning 'as long as' or 'provided that'.
Confused word:
Te prestaré el libro siempre y cuando me lo devuelvas pronto.
I'll lend you the book as long as you return it soon.
Notes: 'Siempre que' can be temporal or conditional depending on context and verb tense, while 'siempre y cuando' is always conditional.
Mnemonic: The extra 'y cuando' (and when) in 'siempre y cuando' emphasizes the conditional aspect.
Explanation: 'Siempre que' establishes a condition or repeated temporal relationship, while 'mientras que' indicates simultaneity or contrast between two actions or situations.
Notes: 'Mientras que' focuses on simultaneous actions or contrast, while 'siempre que' focuses on conditions or repeated temporal relationships.
Mnemonic: Think of 'mientras' as 'meanwhile' - actions happening at the same time.