Teaching guidelines +/- 15 minutes

Learn how to use the zero conditional in Spanish to express universal truths and facts. This lesson covers the structure si + present indicative + present indicative, with practical examples like "Si escribes la arroba en el correo electrónico, el email es válido." Understand how this conditional compares to English and practice essential vocabulary.
  1. In the zero conditional, the consequence always happens when the condition is met.
  2. It is formed using the present indicative: if + present indicative + present indicative.
Fórmula (Formula)Ejemplo (Example)
Si + presente indicativo + presente indicativo.Si escribes la arroba en el correo electrónico, el email es válido. (If you write the at symbol in the email, the email is valid.)
Si + presente indicativo + presente indicativoSi restas diez menos cinco, tienes cinco. (If you subtract ten minus five, you have five.)
Si + presente indicativo + presente indicativoSi estudias español, practicas nuevas palabras. (If you study Spanish, you practise new words.)

Exercise 1: El condicional cero

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

contactas, sumas, escribes, divides, practicas, restas, estudias, tienes

1.
Si ... español, mejoras tu comprensión del idioma.
(If you practise Spanish, you improve your understanding of the language.)
2.
Si ... diez menos cinco, obtienes un número más pequeño.
(If you subtract ten minus five, you get a smaller number.)
3.
Si ... la arroba en el correo, la dirección es válida
(If you write the at symbol in the email, the address is valid)
4.
Si ... el código postal correcto, la carta llega bien.
(If you have the correct postcode, the letter arrives safely.)
5.
Si ... cada día, aprendes nuevas palabras en español.
(If you study every day, you learn new words in Spanish.)
6.
Si ... dos y dos, el resultado es siempre cuatro.
(If you add two and two, the result is always four.)
7.
Si ... al profesor, él responde tu correo electrónico.
(If you contact the teacher, he answers your email.)
8.
Si ... cien entre diez, el resultado es exactamente diez.
(If you divide one hundred by ten, the result is exactly ten.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. Si escribes la ___ en el correo electrónico, el email es válido.

(If you write the ___ in the email, the email is valid.)

2. Si ___ tu número de móvil, alguien puede contactarte más rápido.

(If ___ your mobile number, someone can contact you faster.)

3. Si ___ con un amigo, puedes pedir su dirección.

(If ___ a friend, you can ask for their address.)

4. Si ___ el código postal correcto, la carta llega a tu casa.

(If ___ the correct postal code, the letter arrives at your house.)

5. Si ___ la dirección electrónica bien, recibes el mensaje.

(If ___ the email address correctly, you receive the message.)

6. Si ___ español, mejoras tu habilidad para hablar por teléfono.

(If ___ Spanish, you improve your ability to speak on the phone.)

Understanding the Zero Conditional in Spanish

The zero conditional is a fundamental Spanish grammar structure used to express universal truths and facts that always happen under certain conditions. It is perfect for beginners at the A1 level who want to build a solid foundation in everyday conversational Spanish.

Structure of the Zero Conditional

This conditional is formed by combining two clauses in the present indicative tense: "Si" + present indicative + present indicative. This means both the condition and the result are in the present tense because the statement describes things that are always true.

Examples

  • Si escribes la arroba en el correo electrónico, el email es válido. (If you write the @ symbol in the email, the email is valid.)
  • Si restas diez menos cinco, tienes cinco. (If you subtract ten minus five, you have five.)
  • Si estudias español, practicas nuevas palabras. (If you study Spanish, you practice new words.)

Key Points to Remember

  • Both clauses use the present indicative tense.
  • It describes facts or actions that happen every time the condition is met.
  • Common phrases start with "si" meaning "if" to introduce the condition.

Comparing to English

Like in English, the zero conditional in Spanish uses the present simple tense in both clauses (e.g., "If you heat water, it boils"). However, Spanish verbs are conjugated differently for each subject. For example, "escribes" means "you write" and "practicas" means "you practice." Understanding these verb endings is essential to form correct sentences.

Useful Vocabulary

  • Si – If
  • escribes – you write
  • tienes – you have
  • estudias – you study
  • practicas – you practice

Mastering the zero conditional helps you clearly express facts and routine actions in Spanish, making your communication more precise and natural.

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This content has been designed and reviewed by the coLanguage pedagogical team: About coLanguage

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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:

Thursday, 29/05/2025 15:33