Spanish Phrase
¿Cuándo estás libre?
Meaning
Literally, 'When are you free?', this question asks about a person's availability for a meeting, a phone call, or any activity. It focuses on a specific point in time rather than a general habit.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to arrange a get‑together, schedule a call, or simply find out when someone has free time. It works in informal and semi‑formal contexts with friends, coworkers, or acquaintances.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cuándoestáslibre?
¿Cuándo?
Interrogative adverb meaning 'when'. It always carries an accent to distinguish it from the conjunction 'cuando'.
estás
Second‑person singular present of the verb *estar*, used for temporary states or conditions such as being free.
libre
Adjective meaning 'free' (available). With *estar* it refers to a moment in time when someone has no commitments.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cuándo estás libre?
When are you free?
Estoy libre el viernes por la tarde.
I'm free on Friday afternoon.
✕Common Mistakes
Cuando estas libre?
Missing accent; without it the word means 'when' as a conjunction, not a question.
¿Cuándo eres libre?
Use *estar* for temporary states; *ser* would imply a permanent characteristic.
¿Cuándo estás libro?
Confusing *libre* (free) with *libro* (book).
↔Alternatives
¿En qué momento tienes tiempo?
At what time do you have time?
¿Cuándo te viene bien?
When is convenient for you?
¿Cuándo puedes?
When can you?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries it is considered courteous to ask about someone's availability before proposing a plan. The verb *estar* is preferred over *ser* because being 'free' is seen as a temporary state. In some regions (e.g., Mexico) people also say *¿Cuándo te queda libre?* adding the reflexive pronoun for extra politeness.