Basic Conditional Sentences in Catalan

Overview

Conditional sentences express what will happen if a certain condition is met. At the B1 level, you focus on real/open conditionals — situations that are possible or likely. These use si (if) plus the present tense in the condition clause and the future or present tense in the result clause.

The basic pattern is straightforward: Si + present, future/present. For example: Si plou, no sortiré (If it rains, I won't go out). This type of conditional describes realistic possibilities about the future.

More complex conditionals involving hypothetical or counterfactual situations (using the subjunctive) are covered at the B2 level. For now, mastering the real conditional gives you a powerful tool for discussing plans, consequences, and possibilities.

How It Works

First Conditional (Real/Open)

Pattern	Example
Si + present + future	Si plou, no sortiré. (If it rains, I won't go out.)
Si + present + present	Si menges massa, et trobes malament. (If you eat too much, you feel sick.)
Si + present + imperative	Si vols, vine! (If you want, come!)

Word Order

Both orders are possible:

• Si plou, no sortiré. (If-clause first)
• No sortiré si plou. (Result first, no comma needed)

Examples in Context

Catalan	English	Note
Si plou, no sortiré.	If it rains, I won't go out.	Future consequence
Si estudies, aprovaràs.	If you study, you will pass.	Encouragement
Si vols, podem anar junts.	If you want, we can go together.	Offer
Si no véns, t'ho perdràs.	If you don't come, you'll miss it.	Warning
Si fa sol, anirem a la platja.	If it's sunny, we'll go to the beach.	Plan
Si tens temps, truca'm.	If you have time, call me.	Request
Si mengem ara, arribarem d'hora.	If we eat now, we'll arrive on time.	Practical reasoning
Si no ho fas, ningú ho farà.	If you don't do it, nobody will.	Motivation
Si necessites ajuda, demana-m'ho.	If you need help, ask me.	Offer
Vindré si puc.	I'll come if I can.	Result first

Common Mistakes

Using future in the si-clause

• Wrong: Si plourà, no sortiré.
• Right: Si plou, no sortiré.
• Why: In Catalan (like Spanish and French), the si-clause takes the present tense, never the future.

Confusing "si" (if) with "sí" (yes)

• Condition: Si vols, vine. (If you want, come.)
• Affirmative: Sí, vull venir. (Yes, I want to come.)
• Why: The accent mark distinguishes the two: sí (yes) has an accent, si (if) does not.

Using subjunctive in real conditionals

• Wrong: Si plogui, no sortiré.
• Right: Si plou, no sortiré.
• Why: Real/open conditionals use the present indicative, not the subjunctive. The subjunctive appears only in hypothetical conditionals (B2 level).

Usage Notes

In colloquial Catalan, you may hear the present tense in both clauses for general truths or habitual patterns: Si fa fred, em poso una jaqueta (If it's cold, I put on a jacket). This is perfectly natural and does not require the future tense in the result clause.

Practice Tips

1. Make a list of "if" scenarios for your week: "Si fa bon temps, aniré a córrer. Si plou, llegiré un llibre. Si tinc temps, cuinaré."
2. Practice both word orders: "Si estudies, aprovaràs" and "Aprovaràs si estudies."
3. Create chains: "Si estudio, aprovaré. Si aprovo, estaré content. Si estic content, celebraré."

Related Concepts

• Future Tense — the future tense used in the result clause
• Complex Conditionals — hypothetical conditionals at B2