Spanish prepositions are short words that link nouns, pronouns, and phrases to other parts of a sentence, showing relationships like direction, place, time, and cause. They are essential for forming clear and precise sentences.
  • Spanish prepositions are essential for showing relationships between words.
  • They link nouns, pronouns, and phrases to other sentence parts.
  • Common uses include indicating direction, place, time, and cause.
What level is appropriate for learning common Spanish prepositions?
What are some common Spanish prepositions?

Key Spanish Prepositions

SpanishEnglishUseExample (Español)Example (English)
ato, atDirection, TimeVoy a la playa.I go to the beach.
enin, on, atLocation, TimeEstoy en casa.I am at/in home.
deof, fromOrigin, PossessionSoy de España.I am from Spain.
conwithAccompanimentSalgo con amigos.I go out with friends.
parafor, toPurpose, RecipientEsto es para ti.This is for you.
porfor, by, throughCause, MeansCamino por el parque.I walk through the park.
What are some key Spanish prepositions?
Which Spanish preposition is commonly used for 'from'?
Which Spanish prepositions can be used to express 'for'?

Usage Tips

  • Some prepositions change meaning based on context (e.g., por vs. para).
  • Prepositions are always followed by a noun or pronoun (object of the preposition).
  • Do not translate prepositions literally; learn common pairings and phrases.
Do Spanish prepositions stand alone as words of the day?
Which are common one-word Spanish prepositions?

Common Prepositions

SpanishEnglishUsageExample (Español)Example (English)
ato, atDirection, TimeLlegamos a las cinco.We arrive at five.
antebeforeIn front of, beforeElla habló ante la juez.She spoke before the judge.
bajounderPositionEl gato está bajo la mesa.The cat is under the table.
conwithAccompaniment, MannerCafé con leche.Coffee with milk.
contraagainstOppositionVamos contra el viento.We go against the wind.
deof, fromOrigin, PossessionCasa de madera.Wooden house. / House of wood.
desdefrom, sinceStarting pointTrabajo desde casa.I work from home.
enin, on, atLocation, TimeEstá en la oficina.He is in the office.
entrebetween, amongPositionEl secreto está entre tú y yo.The secret is between you and me.
haciatowardDirectionCamina hacia el norte.Walk toward the north.
parafor, to, in orderPurpose, RecipientEsto es para ti.This is for you.
porfor, by, throughCause, Means, ExchangeGracias por todo.Thanks for everything.
sinwithoutAbsenceCafé sin azúcar.Coffee without sugar.
sobreon, aboutPosition, TopicLibro sobre historia.Book about history.
trasafter, behindPosition, TimeVamos tras la solución.We go after the solution.
Which of the following are common Spanish prepositions?
Which Spanish prepositions can express some form of 'from'?

Conclusion

Spanish prepositions are fundamental for understanding and expressing relationships within sentences, covering direction, place, time, cause, and more.
  • They link nouns/pronouns to other sentence parts and require an object to follow.
  • Some prepositions have multiple meanings depending on context (por vs. para).
  • Learning common prepositions and their correct usage is key for fluency and comprehension in Spanish.