Teaching guidelines +/- 15 minutes

Learn the first conditional (Condicional tipo 1) in Spanish to talk about real future situations using the formula 'Si + present tense + future simple'. This lesson covers practical examples related to daily life and real estate, emphasizing correct verb use and common phrases for clear communication.
  1. It is used for real or possible situations in the future.
  2. Conditional words like "si" must be followed by a verb in the present indicative to express the condition, while the simple future is used to indicate the consequence.
Fórmula (Formula)Condición (condition)Consecuencia (Consequence)
Si + presente + futuro simple (If + present + simple future)Si firmas el contrato (If you sign the contract)Te mudarás pronto. (You will move soon.)
Si + presente + futuro simple (If + present + simple future)Si reformas la cocina (If you renovate the kitchen)El piso será más caro. (The flat will be more expensive.)
Si + presente + futuro simple (If + present + simple future)Si consultas la inmobiliaria (If you consult the estate agent)Te mostrarán más opciones. (They will show you more options.)
Si + presente + futuro simple (If + present + simple future)Si buscas residencia temporal (If you look for temporary residence)Esta es la más ideal. (This is the most ideal one.)

Exercise 1: Condicional tipo 1

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

Si reformas la cocina, Si pagas los gastos de comunidad, Si buscas piso, Si firmas el contrato, Si hay buena publicidad, Si consultas la inmobiliaria, Si vives de alquiler, Si buscas una residencia temporal

1. Vivir, firmar:
: ..., tendrás que firmar una hipoteca después.
(If you live in rented accommodation, you will have to sign a mortgage afterwards.)
2. Buscar, ayudar:
: ..., te ayudaré a encontrar uno amueblado.
(If you are looking for a flat, I will help you find a furnished one.)
3. Reformar, subir:
: ..., el precio subirá mucho.
(If you renovate the kitchen, the price will go up a lot.)
4. Consultar, mostrar:
: ..., te mostrarán más opciones.
(If you consult the estate agent, they will show you more options.)
5. Buscar, encontrar:
: ..., encontrarás esta ideal.
(If you are looking for temporary accommodation, you will find this ideal.)
6. Haber, visitar:
: ..., más personas visitarán el anuncio.
(If there is good advertising, more people will visit the advert.)
7. Pagar, usar:
: ..., podrás usar todos los servicios.
(If you pay the community fees, you will be able to use all the services.)
8. Firmar, mudar:
: ..., te mudarás esta semana.
(If you sign the contract, you will move this week.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Select the option that shows a correct use of the simple conditional in contexts related to real estate and everyday situations, identifying common errors in the incorrect options.

1.
Incorrect: after 'if' should come the present indicative or imperfect subjunctive, not the conditional.
Incorrect: for unreal hypotheses the imperfect subjunctive 'had' (tuviera) is used, not the imperfect indicative 'had' (tenía).
2.
Incorrect: the correct subjunctive is 'showed' (mostraran), not 'will show' (mostrarán).
Incorrect: 'would show' (mostraría) is conditional; here the imperfect subjunctive 'showed' (mostraran) is needed.
3.
Incorrect: for unlikely hypotheses, the condition must be in the imperfect subjunctive, not the present.
Incorrect: after 'if' the conditional 'would have' (tendría) is not used, but the imperfect subjunctive 'had' (tuviera).
4.
Incorrect: in hypotheses contrary to reality the imperfect subjunctive is used, not present indicative.
Incorrect: after 'if' the conditional 'would be' (estaría) is not used, but the subjunctive 'were' (estuviera).

First Conditional in Spanish (Condicional tipo 1)

The first conditional is used to talk about real and possible situations in the future. It expresses a cause-and-effect relationship where a certain condition leads to a likely result. This structure is essential for everyday conversations about future plans, decisions, or predictions.

How It Works

The formula for this conditional is: Si + present tense + simple future tense. For example:

  • Si firmas el contrato, te mudarás pronto. (If you sign the contract, you will move soon.)
  • Si reformas la cocina, el piso será más caro. (If you renovate the kitchen, the apartment will be more expensive.)

Notice that "si" (if) is always followed by a verb in the present indicative. The consequence or result is then expressed using the simple future tense.

Usage in Real Life Contexts

This conditional is common when talking about possible real estate situations or everyday scenarios:

  • Consulting with a real estate agency: Si consultas la inmobiliaria, te mostrarán más opciones. (If you consult the agency, they will show you more options.)
  • Finding temporary housing: Si buscas residencia temporal, esta es la más ideal. (If you look for temporary residence, this one is the most ideal.)

Important Notes on Spanish vs. English

While English also uses the first conditional in similar ways, Spanish requires the verb after "si" to be in present indicative, not conditional or subjunctive moods for real possibilities. For example, "If you sign" translates to "Si firmas," not with conditional verbs. Present indicative serves to express the condition, which differs from English where the simple present is used similarly. Useful phrases include:

  • Si + present indicative: Si tienes dudas (If you have doubts)
  • Future simple: te ayudaré (I will help you)

Understanding this helps avoid common errors and makes your Spanish sound natural and clear.

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Alessia Calcagni

Languages for communication in international enterprises and organizations

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

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Last Updated:

Tuesday, 15/07/2025 12:57