español · B1 · grammar · 4 minutes
Real conditions with si
Connect a genuinely possible condition to its real-world result.
Understand the choice
An open si-condition presents its condition as genuinely possible or recurrent. Spanish uses an indicative tense after si, while the result clause chooses present, future, imperative, or another form according to its real-world meaning.
Core rule: For a real or open future condition, use present indicative after si and a suitable present, future, or command in the result.
Notice it in context
Si tengo tiempo, te llamaré esta tarde.
If I have time, I will call you this afternoon.
For a real or open future condition, use present indicative after si and a suitable present, future, or command in the result.
Si llueve, nos quedamos en casa.
If it rains, we stay home.
Both clauses can use present for a regular result.
Si ves a Pablo, dile la verdad.
If you see Pablo, tell him the truth.
The result can be a command.
What to remember
- Present + present describes habits and predictable results: si llueve, nos quedamos en casa.
- Present + future projects a likely result: si tengo tiempo, te llamaré.
Common trap: Do not put the future immediately after si in an open condition: si tendré tiempo is wrong. Use present tengo, then future llamaré in the result.