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Prepositions

Learning prepositions can be among the most challenging aspects of mastering Spanish. These lessons can help you learn the differences among the various Spanish prepositions.

Indicating Closeness or Proximity

Learn how to use 'cerca' and related Spanish words that suggest closeness or proximity. Sample sentences are included.

Using 'Mediante'

The Spanish preposition 'mediante' nearly means 'by means of' but can be translated to English in a variety of ways.

Introduction to Prepositions

Prepositions function much the same way in English as they do in Spanish. However, it is not always easy to know which preposition to use.

Using the Preposition 'A'

"Learn how 'a,' one of the most common prepositions in Spanish, is used.

The Preposition "En"

The Spanish preposition 'en' is usually translated as 'on' or 'in,' but it also can have other meanings. It use is particularly common with certain verbs.

Translating 'By' to Spanish

The English preposition 'by' can be translated to Spanish in many ways, depending on its meaning and how it's used in the sentence.

The Preposition 'Sin'

The Spanish preposition sin generally means "without," and its usage is usually straightforard.

Using the Preposition 'Durante'

The Spanish preposition is usually the equivalent of the English 'during,' but the way it is used isn't exactly the same as the English word is used.

Using the Personal 'A'

The preposition a typically means "to." There are some instances where its use is mandatory in Spanish but not translated to English.

Using the Preposition 'Hasta'

'Hasta' is a common preposition. This brief lesson describes what it means and gives examples of its use.

The Preposition 'De'

Learn more about how to use de, the most common preposition in Spanish. Its most common meanings are "of" and "from," but it is used in other ways as well.

Using 'Desde'

The Spanish preposition 'desde' typically means either 'since' or 'from' and is used to indicate motion in space or time from a certain point.

Translating 'Over'

The English word 'over' can be translated to Spanish in numerous ways.

Why Translate 'For Your Country' Using 'Por'?

An answer to the question: Why is "for your country" in President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address translated using por instead of para?

The important thing to keep in mind about con is that it is somewhat more versatile than the English "with," so you will run across many cases where con is used that you probably wouldn't use "with" in English.

Using the Preposition 'Entre'

The Spanish preposition entre is usually translated as "between" or "among," although it frequently has other uses as well.

Using 'Según'

The preposition 'según' usually means 'according to' or 'depending on.' However, it is often used in ways that aren't directly translatable to English, as examples in this lesson show.

Using the Preposition 'Sobre'

'Sobre' is a common Spanish preposition that has a variety of meanings.

Prepositional Pronouns

Pronouns are very commonly used after prepositions. Here you can learn which pronouns to use, and which prepositions require the use of subject pronouns.

When Is the Personal "A" Not Used?

Learn more about how the personal a is used (or not used).

Contra

The Spanish preposition contra is usually the rough equivalent of the English preposition "against."

'Hacia'

Guide to using the preposition hacia along with examples of its usage.

Differences Between 'De' and 'Desde'

The Spanish prepositions de and desde can both be translated as "from." Learn which one to use.

The Preposition 'En'

En is usually the equivalent of "on" or "in," but it has other meanings as well.

Using 'Para' To Say 'In Order To'

Learn how to express the concept of 'in order to' in Spanish using 'para' and other words and phrases.

'Sino' and 'Pero'

Both pero and sino mean "but," but they are not interchangeable.

Using Infinitives after Prepositions

One of the most common uses of infinitives is as the object of a preposition. When used in such a way, the infinitive is often the rough equivalent of the English gerund, that is, the "-ing" form of the verb, and can be translated in that way.

Prepositions Following 'Hablar'

Learn which prepositions most commonly are used after "hablar," the Spanish verb that means "to speak."

'Gustar' and the Personal 'A'

Want to know how to structure a sentence using gustar and the personal a? Here's how.

'Detrás' vs. 'Atrás'

Although both detrás and atrás are adverbs that can be translated as "behind" and are often listed as synonyms, they tend to be used in different ways.