Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Since in Spanish
Desde · preposition · DEHS-deh
The word 'since' has two distinct meanings, each with its own Spanish translation: 'desde' for temporal since (since Monday, since 2020) and 'ya que' or 'puesto que' for causal since (since you're here, since it's raining). Mastering this distinction is key because using the wrong one changes the meaning entirely.
For 'desde': DEHS-deh with stress on the first syllable. For 'ya que': yah keh. Both are short, common words.
Vivo en esta ciudad desde hace diez años.
I've lived in this city since ten years ago.
Since in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for since, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| desde | since | DEHS-deh | Default, widely understood |
| ya que | since | since (because/given that) | |
| puesto que | since | since (formal, causal) | |
| desde que | since | since (point in time with event) |
How Native Speakers Use Desde
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Temporal (point in time)
No he comido nada desde el desayuno de esta mañana.
I haven't eaten anything since breakfast this morning.
Uses 'desde' for a specific starting point in time with present perfect.
Temporal (duration)
Trabaja en esa empresa desde hace más de quince años.
She's been working at that company for over fifteen years.
Shows 'desde hace' construction for duration, equivalent to 'for' in this context.
Causal (because)
Ya que estás aquí, ¿me ayudas a mover estos muebles?
Since you're here, can you help me move this furniture?
Uses 'ya que' for the causal meaning of 'since' (= because/given that).
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Desde
Using 'desde' for the causal meaning
Incorrect: Desde que no tienes carro, te llevo yo.
Correct: Ya que no tienes carro, te llevo yo.
'Desde que' means 'since' only in a temporal sense (from the time that). For 'since' meaning 'because,' use 'ya que,' 'puesto que,' or 'como.'
Tense error with 'desde'
Incorrect: Viví aquí desde 2010. (if still living there)
Correct: Vivo aquí desde 2010.
When the action continues to the present, Spanish uses present tense with 'desde,' not past tense. 'Vivo aquí desde 2010' = I've lived here since 2010 (and still do).
Lock in Since Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Desde used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using desde in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Vivo en esta ciudad desde hace diez años. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Since in Spanish
- When do I use 'desde' vs 'ya que'?
- Use 'desde' when 'since' refers to time (since yesterday, since I was young), and 'ya que' when 'since' means 'because' or 'given that' (since you asked, since we're on the topic) — these two translations are never interchangeable.
- What's the difference between 'desde' and 'desde que'?
- The preposition 'desde' precedes a noun or time expression (desde enero, desde las tres), while 'desde que' introduces a full clause with a verb (desde que llegué, desde que empezó a llover) — think of it as 'since' + noun vs 'since' + sentence.
- How do I say 'since when' in Spanish?
- The interrogative phrase 'since when?' translates to '¿desde cuándo?' in Spanish, used both as a genuine question ('¿Desde cuándo vives aquí?') and rhetorically to express disbelief ('¿Desde cuándo tú cocinas?' = Since when do you cook?).