What does "en caso de" mean?
The phrase "en caso de" translates to "in case of" or "in the event of." It is used to introduce a condition or situation that may occur, often implying preparedness or contingency. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Examples
1.
En caso de emergencia, presiona el botón rojo.
In case of emergency, press the red button. (presente de indicativo)
In case of emergency, press the red button. (presente de indicativo)
2.
¿Qué harías en caso de incendio?
What would you do in case of a fire? (presente de indicativo — question)
What would you do in case of a fire? (presente de indicativo — question)
3.
De niño, tenía miedo en caso de tormenta.
As a child, I was afraid in case of a storm. (imperfecto de indicativo)
As a child, I was afraid in case of a storm. (imperfecto de indicativo)
4.
En caso de que no viniera, avísame.
In case he/she doesn't come, let me know. (presente de subjuntivo)
In case he/she doesn't come, let me know. (presente de subjuntivo)
5.
Te llamaré en caso de que necesite ayuda.
I will call you in case I need help. (futuro)
I will call you in case I need help. (futuro)
6.
Llamaría a la policía en caso de que fuera necesario.
I would call the police in case it was necessary. (condicional simple)
I would call the police in case it was necessary. (condicional simple)
7.
No creo que haya problemas en caso de que llegues tarde.
I don't think there will be any problems in case you arrive late. (presente de subjuntivo)
I don't think there will be any problems in case you arrive late. (presente de subjuntivo)
8.
Me pidió que avisara en caso de que necesitara ayuda.
She asked me to let her know in case she needed help. (imperfecto de subjuntivo)
She asked me to let her know in case she needed help. (imperfecto de subjuntivo)
9.
¿Has considerado en caso de que no pueda asistir?
Have you considered in case he/she can't attend? (perfecto de indicativo)
Have you considered in case he/she can't attend? (perfecto de indicativo)
10.
Cuando llegué, ya habían cancelado todo en caso de lluvia.
When I arrived, they had already canceled everything in case of rain. (pluscuamperfecto de indicativo)
When I arrived, they had already canceled everything in case of rain. (pluscuamperfecto de indicativo)
11.
Apenas hubieron anunciado el retraso en caso de mal tiempo, los pasajeros se quejaron.
As soon as they announced the delay in case of bad weather, the passengers complained. (pretérito anterior — literary/formal)
As soon as they announced the delay in case of bad weather, the passengers complained. (pretérito anterior — literary/formal)
12.
Para cuando llames, ya habremos decidido qué hacer en caso de emergencia.
By the time you call, we will have decided what to do in case of emergency. (futuro perfecto)
By the time you call, we will have decided what to do in case of emergency. (futuro perfecto)
13.
Habría avisado en caso de que lo supiera.
I would have let you know in case I knew. (potencial compuesto)
I would have let you know in case I knew. (potencial compuesto)
14.
Dudo que hayan actuado en caso de que no fuera necesario.
I doubt they acted in case it wasn't necessary. (perfecto de subjuntivo)
I doubt they acted in case it wasn't necessary. (perfecto de subjuntivo)
15.
Si hubiera sabido en caso de que llegaría tarde, habría esperado.
If I had known in case he/she would arrive late, I would have waited. (pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo)
If I had known in case he/she would arrive late, I would have waited. (pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo)