How Do You Say When in Spanish (Cuándo)

October 29, 2025 - By Michel Stova

“When?”
It’s one of the first questions we ask in life. When will we meet again? When will dreams come true? When will the sun rise?

Language gives us a way to ask about time — and with it, to understand life itself.

When I first started learning Spanish, the word “Cuándo” caught my attention. It was short, soft, and curious — like a question whispered by someone eager to know what’s next. But in Latin America, “Cuándo” is more than a question; it’s a word that expresses emotion, rhythm, and even poetry.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how do you say when in Spanish, the answer is Cuándo. But that’s just the beginning — this word opens a window into how Spanish speakers think about time, relationships, and the flow of life.

🗺️ Table of “When” in Different Languages

Language	Word/Phrase for “When”	Cultural or Linguistic Insight
Spanish	Cuándo	Means “when”; used to ask about time and events.
English	When	Expresses curiosity or timing; core to every question about time.
French	Quand	Used both formally and informally; linked to the structure of conversation.
Italian	Quando	Soft and melodic; often used in romantic or poetic expressions.
German	Wann	Direct and efficient; reflects Germany’s precision with time.
Portuguese	Quando	Very similar to Spanish; rhythm and emotion define its tone.
Turkish	Ne zaman	Literally “what time”; shows linguistic clarity.
Arabic	Mata (متى)	Rooted in ancient Semitic languages; rhythmical and elegant.
Japanese	Itsu (いつ)	Often paired with verbs to show politeness and precision.
Mandarin (Chinese)	Shénme shíhou (什么时候)	Means “what time”; reflects indirect politeness.
Hindi (India)	Kab (कब)	Used in both everyday speech and traditional songs.
Swahili	Lini	Simple yet expressive; used across East Africa.
Zulu	Nini	Emphasizes respect and tone in spoken form.
Russian	Kogda (Когда)	Adds depth and tone depending on context.
Korean	Eonje (언제)	Gentle sound, often paired with formal expressions.

🇪🇸 How Do You Say “When” in Spanish?

In Spanish, the word for “when” is “Cuándo.”
It’s used in both questions and statements, depending on whether it carries an accent mark.

Cuándo (with accent) → Used in questions or exclamations.
- ¿Cuándo llegas? — “When are you arriving?”
- ¡Cuándo volveré a verte! — “When will I see you again!”
Cuando (without accent) → Used in statements (not questions).
- Te llamaré cuando llegue. — “I’ll call you when I arrive.”

Cultural Insight:
In Spanish-speaking countries, “Cuándo” captures more than time — it reflects emotion. Spanish often uses “Cuándo” in songs, love stories, and poetry to express longing and hope.

🇪🇺 How to Say “When” in European Languages

Europe offers a tapestry of linguistic beauty — and each language shapes the idea of “when” differently.

French — Quand: Used in both formal and romantic contexts; France values conversational rhythm.
Italian — Quando: Common in songs (“Quando, Quando, Quando”) — expressing longing and love.
German — Wann: Precise and functional, mirroring Germany’s structured view of time.
Portuguese — Quando: Nearly identical to Spanish but softer in pronunciation.
Greek — Pote (Πότε): Tied to both casual and philosophical expressions of time.

Across Europe, “when” connects with art, poetry, and punctuality — blending emotion with practicality.

🌏 How to Say “When” in Asian Languages

Asia’s approach to “when” combines respect, subtlety, and cultural depth.

Arabic — Mata (متى): Used throughout the Middle East; reflects both curiosity and patience.
Hindi — Kab (कब): Appears in Bollywood songs and proverbs; emotional and dramatic.
Japanese — Itsu (いつ): Shows courtesy, often accompanied by polite grammar.
Mandarin — Shénme shíhou (什么时候): Literally “what time”; reflects an indirect style of questioning.
Korean — Eonje (언제): Expresses curiosity gently; tone and formality change meaning.
Turkish — Ne zaman: Combines precision with a melodic rhythm.
Thai — Muea rai (เมื่อไหร่): Used kindly; politeness is key.
Vietnamese — Khi nào: Reflects Vietnamese conversational softness.

Asian languages view time as relational, not mechanical — asking “when” is often a gesture of care rather than urgency.

🌍 How to Say “When” in African Languages

African languages often associate time with nature, rhythm, and life’s flow.

Swahili — Lini: Simple, musical, and flexible across East Africa.
Zulu — Nini: Respectful tone adds emotional weight.
Yoruba — Nigbawo: Literally “at what time”; common in proverbs.
Hausa — Yaushe: Melodic and expressive.
Amharic — Meto: Reflects Ethiopia’s connection to ancient Semitic roots.
Akan — Da ben: Means “which day”; time tied to days and events.
Berber — Melmi: Ancient and concise; used in desert regions.
Somali — Goorma: Everyday question in friendly tones.
Lingala — Tango nini: Literally “time when”; rhythmic and conversational.
Shona — Rini: Compact and versatile in casual speech.

In many African societies, asking “when” reflects patience — a respect for life’s natural rhythm rather than control over it.

🌺 How to Say “When” in Indigenous & Island Languages

Island and indigenous languages often express time through nature, balance, and spirituality.

Hawaiian — Ahea: Simple and melodic, used with calm tones.
Maori — Āhea: Literally “at what time”; connects with the Māori sense of timing and respect.
Samoan — Afēa: Symbolizes curiosity in a gentle, communal way.
Cherokee — Hila: Reflects natural time cycles, like sunrise and seasons.
Tahitian — Afea: Similar to Samoan, linked with kindness and calm.
Fijian — Na cava na gauna: Means “what time”; conversational and kind.
Inuit — Qaqqiq: Rooted in natural cycles; not tied to clock time.
Guaraní — Araka’e: Melodic, expressing both curiosity and emotion.
Haitian Creole — Kilè: Derived from French “quelle heure,” adapted locally.
Tagalog — Kailan: Deeply emotional, used in Filipino songs and storytelling.

Indigenous languages often blend “when” with wisdom — showing that time isn’t just measured, it’s felt.

💬 Cultural Insights: The Meaning of “When”

The question “when” goes beyond language — it reveals our relationship with time.
In Spanish, “Cuándo” captures emotion, curiosity, and even destiny. In many cultures, asking “when” is not just about scheduling — it’s about longing, faith, and human connection.

From Spain’s flamenco songs to Latin love poems, “Cuándo” is whispered, sung, and felt — a reminder that time is not just a clock, but a story.

🌸 Proverbs About “When” Across Cultures

Spanish: “Cuando hay amor, el tiempo pasa volando.” — “When there is love, time flies.”
Arabic: “When patience ends, victory begins.”
Chinese: “When the winds of change blow, build windmills.”
African Proverb: “When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.”
English: “When one door closes, another opens.”

Across cultures, “when” symbolizes transition — from waiting to happening, from hope to fulfillment.

❓ FAQs

Q1: How do you say “when” in Spanish?
The word is “Cuándo.” It means “when” and is used in both formal and informal questions.

Q2: How do you pronounce Cuándo?
Pronounced KWAN-doh, with emphasis on the first syllable.

Q3: What is the difference between Cuándo and Cuando?
Cuándo (with accent) is used in questions and exclamations; cuando (without accent) is used in statements.

Q4: Is Cuándo used in all Spanish-speaking countries?
Yes — it’s universal across Spain, Mexico, and all of Latin America.

Q5: Why is understanding Cuándo important?
It helps learners understand Spanish sentence structure, tone, and cultural nuances about time.

❤️ Conclusion: “Cuándo” — The Word That Teaches Patience

The next time you ask how do you say when in Spanish, remember — it’s “Cuándo.”
But beyond the translation, it’s a word of curiosity, timing, and connection.

“Cuándo” invites us to slow down, ask sincerely, and wait with hope — because time, like language, is a shared journey.

💬 Now it’s your turn!
Comment below: how do you say “when” in your language? Let’s celebrate the world’s ways of asking the most human question — When?