The conditionals are not really that different in Spanish and English. Here's some examples: Zero Conditional, expresses outcomes when an action happens. You can usually use the word when/cuando in place of if. Si tomo vino, me prendo. / When I drink wine, I get tipsy. Notice that the present tense is used in both languages. First Conditional: If you study a lot, you will learn quicker. / Si estudias mucho, aprenderás más rápido. Notice the use of 'will' in English to talk about a future outcome. Second Conditional: Second conditional expresses possibility in the future if something imaginary happens. It's speculation. Si fuera rico, te compraría un carro rojo. / If I was rich, I would buy you a red car. In the 'if' clause, we use the simple past 'was' (in Spanish, you use the subjuntivo imperfecto, 'fuera') In the second clause, we use the modal verb 'would + verb' or 'would buy' ( in Spanish, you use the conditional tense, 'compraría' )

The thing to understand about the first conditional is that it is Real. It is a real condition, which if met, the result will/ may/ might/ can happen. EX: If it is raining, we will postpone the picnic. The second conditional is UN-real. Therefore, we are talking about an event or situation that does not exist at the moment. EX: If I were rich, I would buy a castle in France. If he were here, he could tell us the answer. In other words, I am not rich, so I will not buy a castle. He is not here, so he can not tell us the answer. Both first and second conditional are present. We are still talking about the present moment, the conditions that exist now or in the near future, not in the past as with the 3rd conditional.