The word según is a versatile word in Spanish that functions both as a preposition and as a conjunction. It plays an important role when reporting opinions, expressing dependency on conditions, and describing simultaneous or progressive actions. In this article, we’ll explore how to use según in Spanish in its various functions, with practical examples and two exercises at the end.

How to Use Según in Spanish

Según is a flexible and frequently used word in Spanish. As a preposition, it usually means according to or depending on. As a conjunction, it can express dependency, manner, or simultaneity. Mastering the various meanings of según will help you better understand native speech and improve your fluency.

Según as a preposition

As a preposition, según introduces the idea that something depends on, is consistent with, or is stated by another source or condition.

Según (according to)

This is the most common use.

Según el informe, la economía crecerá un 3% este año.

According to the report, the economy will grow by 3% this year.

Según mi madre, deberías descansar más.

According to my mother, you should rest more.

Según todos mis profesores, el examen será fácil.

According to all my teachers, the exam will be easy.

Según (depending on)

This meaning emphasizes conditions or proportionality. It helps explain how to use según in Spanish when expressing that something changes in proportion to or depending on a condition or variable.

El precio de la fruta varía según la temporada.

The fruit price varies depending on the season.

Te pagaremos según lo que trabajes.

We will pay you according to how much you work.

Según el clima, mañana decidiremos ir a la playa o no.

Depending on the weather, tomorrow we will decide to go to the beach or not.

Según as a conjunction

When used as a conjunction, según connects clauses and usually implies variability or simultaneity.

Según (depending on how, depending on what)

Please note that you can also use según on its own meaning it depends.

–¿Vendrás con nosotros al cine?

–Según.

–Will you come to the movies with us?

–It depends.

Según se encuentre mañana, le darán o no el alta.

Depending on how he feels tomorrow, he will be discharged or not.

Según haga calor o frío, iremos de excursión o nos quedaremos en casa.

Depending on whether it’s hot or cold, we’ll go on a trip or stay home.

Según (just as, in the way that)

This use shows how to use según in Spanish when you want to describe that something is done in the same way as another thing, often referring to a rule, instruction, or previous state.

Lo haré según dicten las normas.

I will do it just as the rules dictate.

Todo está según lo dejaste.

Everything is just as you left it.

Actuaron según les habían ordenado.

They acted just as they had been ordered.

Según (as, while)

This meaning of según shows how to use según in Spanish to describe two actions happening at the same time. It often appears in narrative contexts to express progression or parallel events.

Según nos alejábamos, perdíamos de vista el pueblo.

As we moved away, we lost sight of the village.

Según gritabas, parecía que te estaban haciendo daño.

As you were shouting, it sounded like someone was hurting you.

Según pasaban los minutos, la tensión aumentaba entre los jugadores.

As the minutes passed, the tension among the players increased.

Exercises

Before moving on to the exercises, take a moment to review the different uses of según you’ve just learned. If you’re wondering how to use según in Spanish correctly, these activities will help you practice using this word both as a preposition and a conjunction in context.

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

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GrammarLinkers and ConnectorsPrepositions