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Learn the zero conditional in Spanish: si + presente indicativo + presente indicativo. Practice key verbs like escribes, restas, estudias to express universal truths and real conditions.
  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

This lesson focuses on the zero conditional in Spanish, a basic grammar structure used to express universal truths or facts that always happen under certain conditions. It is ideal for A1 level learners who want to describe situations where one action reliably causes another.

How the Zero Conditional Works

The zero conditional is formed by combining two clauses in the present indicative tense:

  • If + present indicative, present indicative.

Both the condition and its result are expressed using the present tense because the outcome is always true and certain.

Examples

  • Si escribes la arroba en el correo electrónico, el email es válido.
  • Si restas diez menos cinco, tienes cinco.
  • Si estudias español, practicas nuevas palabras.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

  • Si — if
  • escribes — you write
  • arroba — @ symbol
  • correo electrónico — email
  • restas — you subtract
  • tienes — you have
  • estudias — you study
  • practicas — you practice

Notes on Spanish vs. English Conditionals

Unlike English, where zero conditional sentences often follow the pattern "If + present simple, present simple," Spanish uses the present indicative consistently in both clauses. This can make it easier to form logical cause-and-effect statements without changing verb tense.

The word si always translates to "if" and introduces the condition. Remember that in Spanish, verbs agree with the subject in person and number:

  • escribes means "you write" (informal singular)
  • restas means "you subtract"
This agreement is essential to convey the correct meaning.

Practice Tips

To reinforce your learning, try to create your own zero conditional sentences using daily facts, such as:

  • Si comes fruta, estás saludable. (If you eat fruit, you are healthy.)
  • Si enciendes la luz, ves mejor. (If you turn on the light, you see better.)

Understanding and using the zero conditional properly will help you communicate clear cause-and-effect relationships in Spanish.

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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, 17/07/2025 10:42