Spanish Phrase
Envíalos cuando puedas, por favor.
Meaning
A polite request asking someone to send the referenced items (e.g., documents, files) at a time that works for them. The phrase combines a direct command with a flexible time reference and a courteous ‘please’.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need someone to forward or mail something but want to give them the freedom to do it whenever they’re able, such as emailing a report, sending a package, or sharing photos.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Envíaloscuandopuedasporfavor
Imperative affirmative + pronoun
In affirmative commands, object pronouns are attached to the end of the verb and the stress moves to the syllable before the pronoun, requiring an accent on the verb (Envíalos).
Subjunctive after temporal conjunction
When ‘cuando’ refers to a future or uncertain action, the verb that follows must be in the subjunctive (puedas).
Politeness with por favor
Adding ‘por favor’ after a command makes the request courteous and is common in both formal and informal contexts.
🗨In Conversation
¿Podrías enviarme los archivos que prometiste?
Could you send me the files you promised?
Envíalos cuando puedas, por favor.
Send them when you can, please.
✕Common Mistakes
Envíalo cuando puedas, por favor.
The pronoun must agree with the plural object; use ‘los’ for ‘them’.
Envíalos cuando puedes, por favor.
After ‘cuando’ referring to a future action, the verb must be in the subjunctive, not the indicative.
Envíalos cuando puedas, porfavor.
‘Por favor’ is two separate words; writing it as one word is incorrect.
Envíalos cuando puedas por favor.
Missing the comma before ‘por favor’ can make the sentence feel rushed; the pause is important for politeness.
↔Alternatives
Mándalos cuando tengas tiempo, por favor.
Send them when you have time, please.
Envíalos en cuanto puedas, por favor.
Send them as soon as you can, please.
Por favor, envíalos cuando te sea posible.
Please send them when it’s possible for you.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, attaching ‘por favor’ to a command is essential for maintaining politeness, especially in professional or semi‑formal settings. The use of ‘cuando puedas’ signals flexibility and respect for the other person’s schedule, a nuance that can be lost if you use the indicative ‘cuando puedes’.