Let’s look at some conditional linkers in Spanish. These words or phrases will help you connect ideas and provide conditions. They help indicate that one action depends on another: if A happens, then B happens. In other words, B is dependent on A.
Conditional Linkers in Spanish
Conditional linkers in Spanish serve as valuable tools for connecting ideas and conveying conditional relationships. They will help you articulate complex thoughts, discuss possibilities and establish logical connections within your discourse. By understanding and effectively using conditional linkers, you can enhance your communication skills, create more coherent and cohesive texts and engage in more nuanced conversations.
Si (if)
La niña querrá un helado si ve que su hermano tiene uno.
The girl will want an ice cream if she sees her brother has one.
Si ves a Miguel en Londres, dale un beso de mi parte.
If you see Miguel in London, give him a kiss for me.
Si me traes un regalo, voy a estar muy contenta. Hoy es mi cumpleaños.
If you bring me a present, I’ll be very happy. Today is my birthday.
Excepto si (unless, except if)
Excepto si no llevas los documentos a la oficina, voy a tener que llevarlos yo.
Unless you don’t bring the documents to the office, I’ll have to bring them myself.
No se aceptan devoluciones excepto si se presenta el ticket de compra y el producto.
No refunds are accepted unless you present the receipt and the product.
No iremos a la fiesta de tu prima excepto si es una fiesta informal. No tenemos ropa formal.
We won’t go to your cousin’s party unless it’s a casual event. We don’t have formal clothes.
Salvo si (unless)
Another way of saying unless is with the words
Puedes usar mi bicicleta cuando quieras salvo si la están reparando.
You can use my bike whenever you want, unless it’s being repaired.
No podré terminar mi carrera salvo si recibo una beca. He perdido mi trabajo.
I won’t be able to finish my degree unless I get a scholarship. I’ve lost my job.
La editorial no publicará el libro de Manuel salvo si Manuel acepta cambiarle el nombre.
The publisher won’t publish Manuel’s book unless Manuel agrees to change its name.
Use of Subjunctive with Conditional Linkers in Spanish
The subjunctive can be found in some conditional linkers in Spanish. For example, connectors like
No podré enviar el correo electrónico a menos que me prestes un ordenador.
I won’t be able to send the email unless you lend me a computer.
El microondas no va a funcionar hasta que lo enchufes.
The microwave won’t work until you plug it in.
A no ser que el tren llegue con retraso Luján, tendrá que esperarnos en la estación.
Unless the train is delayed Luján will have to wait for us at the station.
Con tal de que asistan a la reunión, les regalarán alguna cosa.
As long as they attend the meeting, they’ll give you a present.
Estoy segura de que sus padres lo apoyarán siempre que estudie.
I am sure his parents will support him as long as he studies.
Exercises
In our blog, you can review more linkers or connectors. Now let’s do some exercises to practice today’s conditional linkers.