"Understanding 'Desde' vs. 'Desde Que' in Spanish: A Practical Guide for Language Learners"
Hello Super Learners!
Welcome back to another insightful dive into the intricacies of the Spanish language. This time, we're going to shine a light on a common conundrum that can trip up even the most dedicated Spanish students: the use of "desde" and "desde que". Knowing when to use each can be the difference between sounding like a textbook and conversing like a native. So, let's unravel the mystery and learn how to wield these terms with the finesse of a true Spanish speaker!
Understanding 'Desde' in Spanish
"Desde" is a preposition that we use in Spanish to indicate the starting point of a period of time or a distance. Think of it as the English equivalent of "since" or "from."
"Estudio español desde enero" (I have been studying Spanish since January).
"Vivo aquí desde 2010" (I have lived here since 2010).
The Nuances of 'Desde Que
'When we add "que" to "desde," we're dealing with a conjunction that introduces a subordinate clause. This essentially means we're talking about the time since a particular event occurred.
"Estudio español desde que llegué a España" (I have been studying Spanish since I arrived in Spain).
"No te he visto desde que te fuiste" (I haven't seen you since you left).
Time Expressions with 'Desde' and 'Desde Que'
Both "desde" and "desde que" can be used for time expressions, but it's crucial to know when to pair them with a specific date or event.
"Desde 2005, el país ha cambiado mucho" (Since 2005, the country has changed a lot).
"Desde que empezó el concierto, no han parado de tocar" (Since the concert started, they haven't stopped playing).
Distance and Starting Points with 'Desde'
While "desde que" is exclusively for time, "desde" can also describe the starting point in space or the origin of something.
"Se ve la torre desde la colina" (The tower can be seen from the hill).
"Desde la ventana, observo la calle" (From the window, I watch the street).
Combining 'Desde' and 'Desde Que' with Perfect Tenses
"Desde" and "desde que" are often used with perfect tenses to describe actions that began in the past and continue into the present.
"Vivo en Madrid desde hace dos años" (I have lived in Madrid for two years).
"No nos hemos hablado desde que discutimos" (We have not spoken since we argued)
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Practical Exercises for Mastery
Let's put our knowledge into practice with some exercises:
"Llevo en esta ciudad desde 1998" (I have been in this city since 1998).
"Desde que me mudé, mi vida es diferente" (Since I moved, my life is different).
As always, Super Learners, while the internet is rich with Spanish classes and resources, here at Spanish Super Tutor, we pride ourselves on the unique follow-up we provide to our students. It's this personalized touch that sets us apart from the rest and makes learning Spanish not just simple, but truly effective.
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Keep up the great work, Super Learners, and never hesitate to reach out for that extra guidance that Spanish Super Tutor is renowned for. Hasta la próxima!
Miguel Marina
Spanish Super Tutor
Keywords: Desde vs Desde Que, Spanish Prepositions, Spanish Conjunctions, Time Expressions in Spanish, Spanish Grammar, Online Spanish Learning, Mastery in Spanish, Spanish Language Tips