Spanish Phrase
¿Cuándo vuelves?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct and common way to ask someone about the timing of their return. It uses the present tense of the verb 'volver' to refer to a near-future action, which is a standard feature in conversational Spanish. It conveys interest in the person's schedule or simply a desire to know when they will be present again.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal situations with friends, family, or colleagues who are leaving for a short trip, a work day, or even just a quick errand. It is the go-to question for checking someone's arrival time.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cuándovuelves?
Cuándo
This is an interrogative adverb meaning 'when'. It always carries an accent mark when used in a question.
Vuelves
This is the 'tú' form of the verb 'volver'. It is a stem-changing verb where the 'o' changes to 'ue' in the present tense.
🗨In Conversation
Me voy a la oficina ahora mismo.
I am going to the office right now.
Está bien, ¿cuándo vuelves?
Alright, when are you coming back?
✕Common Mistakes
¿Cuándo tú volver?
Verbs must be conjugated to match the subject in Spanish; 'volver' is the infinitive.
¿Cuándo regresas a?
Do not add 'a' at the end of the question unless you are specifying a destination.
↔Alternatives
¿A qué hora regresas?
What time do you return?
¿Cuándo estarás de vuelta?
When will you be back?
Cultural Tip
In Spanish-speaking cultures, asking about someone's return is often seen as a gesture of politeness and inclusion rather than an intrusion of privacy. While 'volver' and 'regresar' are interchangeable, 'volver' is more frequently used in Spain and 'regresar' is very common in parts of Latin America.