quand/kɑ̃/
conjunction / adverb · A1 · Frequency 106
conjunction
Meanings
when (at the time that)
Used to introduce temporal clauses indicating a specific point or period in time.
whenever
Used to introduce temporal clauses indicating an indefinite or any time.
Examples
Quand le train arrivera, nous monterons immédiatement.
When the train arrives, we will board immediately.
Je prépare le dîner quand je rentre assez tôt du travail.
I prepare dinner when I get home from work early enough.
Quand tu as besoin d'aide, tu peux m'appeler.
Whenever you need help, you can call me.
Collocations
- quand il pleutwhen it rains
- quand tu veuxwhenever you want
- quand on arrivewhen we arrive
Common mistakes
*quand je suis arrivé, il partait
quand je suis arrivé, il est parti
When ‘quand’ introduces a temporal clause, the tenses in main and subordinate clauses should agree; mixing passé composé and imparfait incorrectly is a common mistake.
*quand tu veux, je viens
quand tu veux, je viendrai
For future time, the ‘quand’ clause should not use present tense to indicate future; future tense is required.
Related words
synonymlorsquewhen (at a time when)
Grammar note
The conjunction quand is used to introduce temporal clauses indicating a specific point in time or repeated occurrences.
adverb
Meanings
when (at what time)
Used as an adverb of time to ask or indicate when something happens.
Examples
Quand commencera la réunion ?
When will the meeting start?
Je ne sais pas quand le train arrivera.
I do not know when the train will arrive.
Quand as-tu appris cette nouvelle ?
When did you learn this news?
Collocations
- quand partirwhen to leave
Common mistakes
*quand est-ce que
quand est-ce que
‘quand est-ce que’ is the correct question structure; beginners sometimes omit ‘est-ce que’, making the sentence incomplete.
Related words
synonymlorsquewhen
- antonymjamaisnever