This is the forty-sixth lesson in our beginner level Spanish course and we are going to learn more about how to use el Futuro Próximo.
In our previous lesson, we introduced this Spanish grammar tense and learned that it is used to describe plans and intentions in the near future. We learned the rules of how to use this tense for all persons and were happy to find out that it is a very user-friendly tense and much easier than the Spanish Present Tense. Now we are going to look in more detail at how to use el Futuro Próximo and typical words and phrases associated with it.
First, let’s recap on the structure we need to remember to use this tense:
Futuro Próximo: verbo Ir (to go) + a + verb (infinitive)
Yo – Voy – a – infinitive
Tú – Vas – a – infinitive
Él/Ella – Va – a – infinitive
Nosotros – Vamos – a – infinitive
Vosotros – Vais – a – infinitive
Ellos/Ellas – Van – a – infinitive
So, just Spanish verbs in infinitive (base form/no changing of endings) for all persons. We simply have to remember to use voy, vas, va, vamos, vais, van depending on the person doing the action of the verb.
Words and phrases commonly associated with El Futuro Próximo:
Luego: Later
Después: Later
Más tarde: Later
Esta tarde: This afternoon
Esta noche: Tonight/This evening
Este fin de semana: This weekend
Este verano: This summer
Mañana: Tomorrow
Pasado mañana: The day after tomorrow
La próxima semana: Next week
La semana que viene: Next week
El próximo mes: Next month
El mes que viene: Next month
As you can see, these words and phrases all point to occurrences in the near future. ‘Próximo’ means ‘Next’ / ’Forthcoming’ / ’Oncoming’ in Spanish. It is always useful to learn key words and phrases of the different grammar tenses as they can help you distinguish which tense is being used at any given time.
Let’s see some example sentences using these key words and phrases to help you better understand when and how to use el Futuro Próximo…
Let’s use the verbs we saw in our previous lesson:
Escuchar – To listen
Jugar – To play
Estudiar – To study
Trabajar – To work
Dormir – To sleep
Comprar – To buy
Ver – To watch
Vender – To sell
Usar – To use
Cenar – To dine
Example Sentences:
Luego voy a usar mi nueva bici: Later I am going to use my new bike.
Después vamos a ver nuestro programa de televisión favorito.
Él va a jugar al fútbol más tarde: He is going to play football later.
Ella va a trabajar esta tarde: She is going to work this afternoon.
¿Vais a estudiar esta noche?: Are you going to study tonight?
Van a comprar una casa nueva este fin de semana: They are going to buy a new house this weeked.
Este verano voy a usar mi canoa más: This summer I am going to use my canoe more.
¿Mañana vas a trabajar?: Are you going to work tomorrow?
La semana que viene vamos a vender nuestro coche: Next week we are going to sell our car.
¿Vais a cenar en el restaurante nuevo el próximo mes?: Are you going to dine in the new restaurant next month?
