In Spanish, both “desde” and “desde hace” are used to express the beginning of an action that continues into the present. However, they are used in distinct contexts and with different types of time expressions. Understanding the difference between these two phrases is crucial for accurately conveying time in Spanish. Let’s clarify their usage!
“Desde”
- Used with a specific point in time: Indicates the exact moment when an action started.
- Typically followed by: A date, year, or a specific time reference.
Example:
- “Vivo aquí desde 2010.” (I’ve lived here since 2010.)
- “Trabajo en esta empresa desde el lunes pasado.” (I’ve been working at this company since last Monday.)
“Desde Hace”
- Used with a duration of time: Expresses how long an action has been ongoing.
- Typically followed by: A period of time (years, months, days, etc.).
Example:
- “Vivo aquí desde hace diez años.” (I’ve been living here for ten years.)
- “Estudio español desde hace seis meses.” (I’ve been studying Spanish for six months.)
Key Differences
- Time Reference:
- “Desde” refers to a specific starting point in time.
- “Desde hace” refers to a length or duration of time.
- Translation:
- “Desde” often translates to “since” in English.
- “Desde hace” typically translates to “for” in English when discussing duration.
- Grammatical Structure:
- “Desde” is followed directly by a noun (date, year, event).
- “Desde hace” is followed by a quantity or measure of time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t use “desde” with a duration: “Vivo aquí desde diez años” is incorrect.
- Don’t use “desde hace” with a specific date: “Trabajo aquí desde hace 2015” is incorrect.
Conclusion
Understanding these distinctions will empower you to use “desde” and “desde hace” correctly, allowing for more precise and natural expression of time in Spanish. Remember, practice and exposure to the language will help solidify your understanding and usage of these phrases. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)