Latin B2: Cum: when, since, although · Phrases

cum with the subjunctive tells a story or gives a reason or a concession: Cum Romam venisset, amicum vidit (when he had come to Rome); Cum aeger sit, domi manet (since he is ill); Cum dives esset, tamen avarus erat (although he was rich). Other conjunctions take the indicative: postquam, ubi and simul ac + perfect (Postquam venit…), quamquam + indicative (Quamquam fessus erat…).

• cum — when, since, although
• quamquam — although
• quia — because
• tamen — nevertheless
• simul ac — as soon as
• etsi — even if
• aeger — ill
• dives — rich

• Cum haec dixisset, abiit. — When he had said this, he left.
• Quae cum ita sint… — Since this is so…
• Simul ac me vidit, risit. — As soon as she saw me, she laughed.
• Etsi pluit, ambulabo. — Even if it rains, I’ll go for a walk.