# 🧭 Common Prepositions Prepositions are small words that show relationships between things, such as direction, location, time, and cause. This guide covers the most useful and frequent Spanish prepositions with brief examples to illustrate each one. --- ## a The preposition *a* typically marks direction, time, and the indirect object. It is also used before persons and certain expressions. | Spanish Sentence | English Translation | | --- | --- | | Voy a la playa. | I am going to the beach. | | La clase es a las ocho. | The class is at eight. | | Doy el regalo a María. | I give the gift to María. | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "7fb41e9", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Voy ___ (to) la escuela.", "answer": [ "a" ], "translation": "I go to the school.", "emoji": "🚶‍♂️", "explanation": "Use 'a' to indicate direction toward a place.", "name": "5cbdc7da" }, { "quiz": "7fb41e9", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which of these sentences correctly use 'a' for a person or time?", "correct": [ "Doy el regalo a María.", "La cita es a las tres." ], "incorrect": [ "Salgo con María.", "Trabajo por la tarde." ], "emoji": "⏰", "explanation": "'A' is used before indirect objects that are people and to mark clock times.", "name": "6b940e90" }, { "quiz": "7fb41e9", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Escucho ___ (to) el profesor cuando habla.", "answer": [ "a" ], "translation": "I listen to the teacher when he speaks.", "emoji": "👂", "explanation": "'Escuchar a' takes 'a' before an animate direct object (a person).", "name": "776539ad" } ], "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "7437e0a9" }> ``` --- ## de *De* signals origin, possession, material, cause, and content. It commonly links nouns to show relationships. | Spanish Sentence | English Translation | | --- | --- | | Soy de México. | I am from Mexico. | | El libro de Juan. | Juan’s book. | | Una taza de café. | A cup of coffee. | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "76881d14", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "La casa ___ (of) mis abuelos es grande.", "answer": [ "de" ], "translation": "My grandparents' house is big.", "emoji": "🏠", "explanation": "'De' shows possession—'la casa de mis abuelos' means 'the house of my grandparents'.", "name": "7716a678" }, { "quiz": "76881d14", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which uses of 'de' are shown in the sentences below? (Choose all that apply)", "correct": [ "Origen: 'Soy de México.'", "Material: 'Una taza de café.'", "Posesión: 'El libro de Juan.'" ], "incorrect": [ "Destino: 'Voy de la escuela.'", "Comparación: 'Más de eso.'" ], "emoji": "🔗", "explanation": "'De' commonly marks origin, material, and possession among other uses.", "name": "5f9852fd" }, { "quiz": "76881d14", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Vengo ___ (from) la ciudad.", "answer": [ "de" ], "translation": "I come from the city.", "emoji": "🚗", "explanation": "'De' indicates origin or starting point: 'venir de' = 'come from'.", "name": "52f61544" } ], "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "13570512" }> ``` --- ## en *En* marks location, time, and means. It is used for places, moments, and sometimes for modes of transport or manner. | Spanish Sentence | English Translation | | --- | --- | | Estoy en casa. | I am at home. | | Llegamos en enero. | We arrive in January. | | Viajamos en tren. | We travel by train. | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "11e527c1", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Las llaves están ___ (in/on) la mesa.", "answer": [ "en" ], "translation": "The keys are on the table.", "emoji": "🔑", "explanation": "'En' can mark location; in this case 'en la mesa' = 'on the table'.", "name": "47952d22" }, { "quiz": "11e527c1", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which of these sentences correctly uses 'en' for time, place, or means?", "correct": [ "Llegamos en enero.", "Viajamos en tren.", "Estoy en casa." ], "incorrect": [ "Trabajo para enero.", "Voy a pie con tren." ], "emoji": "📍", "explanation": "'En' is used for months (en enero), modes of transport (en tren), and locations (en casa).", "name": "557094d3" } ], "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "411858f8" }> ``` --- ## para *Para* indicates purpose, destination, deadline, and recipient. It shows for whom or for what something is intended. | Spanish Sentence | English Translation | | --- | --- | | Este regalo es para ti. | This gift is for you. | | Estudio para ser médico. | I study to become a doctor. | | La tarea es para mañana. | The homework is for tomorrow. | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "5171258b", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Este mensaje es ___ (for) Ana.", "answer": [ "para" ], "translation": "This message is for Ana.", "emoji": "✉️", "explanation": "'Para' indicates the intended recipient: 'para Ana' = 'for Ana'.", "name": "34e9b9b8" }, { "quiz": "5171258b", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which sentences correctly use 'para' to show purpose, destination, or deadline?", "correct": [ "Estudio para ser médico.", "La carta es para mañana.", "Salimos para Madrid." ], "incorrect": [ "Gracias por la ayuda.", "Trabajo en la oficina." ], "emoji": "🎯", "explanation": "'Para' shows purpose (para ser médico), deadlines (para mañana), and destination (para Madrid).", "name": "70562441" } ], "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "774e9edd" }> ``` --- ## por *Por* expresses cause, duration, exchange, movement through space, and more. It often marks reason, time spans, and routes. | Spanish Sentence | English Translation | | --- | --- | | Camino por el parque. | I walk through the park. | | Gracias por la ayuda. | Thanks for the help. | | Pagué diez dólares por el libro. | I paid ten dollars for the book. | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "74107bca", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Gracias ___ (for) tu ayuda.", "answer": [ "por" ], "translation": "Thank you for your help.", "emoji": "🙏", "explanation": "'Por' expresses cause or reason among other uses: 'gracias por' = 'thanks for'.", "name": "21105cfe" }, { "quiz": "74107bca", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which of these uses are typical for 'por'? (Choose all that apply)", "correct": [ "Cause: 'Gracias por la ayuda.'", "Duration: 'Estuve allí por una hora.'", "Movement through: 'Caminamos por el parque.'", "Exchange: 'Pagué diez dólares por el libro.'" ], "incorrect": [ "Purpose: 'Estudia por ser médico.'", "Recipient: 'Este regalo es por ti.'" ], "emoji": "🛤️", "explanation": "'Por' commonly marks cause, duration, movement through, and exchange. Purpose and recipient are usually 'para'.", "name": "8d2d4d4" }, { "quiz": "74107bca", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Pagué cinco euros ___ (for) el boleto.", "answer": [ "por" ], "translation": "I paid five euros for the ticket.", "emoji": "💵", "explanation": "'Por' marks an exchange or price: pagar por algo.", "name": "69fe3379" } ], "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "1ce83552" }> ``` --- ## con *Con* means “with” and shows accompaniment, instrument, manner, or characteristic. It links a person, thing, or quality to an action. | Spanish Sentence | English Translation | | --- | --- | | Salgo con mis amigos. | I go out with my friends. | | Escribo con un bolígrafo. | I write with a pen. | | Habla con confianza. | He speaks with confidence. | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "5941a2de", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Salgo ___ (with) mis amigos esta noche.", "answer": [ "con" ], "translation": "I’m going out with my friends tonight.", "emoji": "🎉", "explanation": "'Con' indicates accompaniment: salir con alguien.", "name": "569407a" }, { "quiz": "5941a2de", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which sentences correctly use 'con' for accompaniment, instrument, or manner?", "correct": [ "Habla con confianza.", "Escribo con un lápiz.", "Voy al cine con ella." ], "incorrect": [ "Voy con tren.", "Trabajo con para completar." ], "emoji": "🤝", "explanation": "'Con' is used for accompaniment (con ella), instrument (con un lápiz), and manner (con confianza).", "name": "77c7e26" } ], "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "7805e79c" }> ``` --- ## sin *Sin* means “without” and indicates the absence of something needed, desired, or expected. It contrasts with *con*. | Spanish Sentence | English Translation | | --- | --- | | Café sin azúcar, por favor. | Coffee without sugar, please. | | No puedo vivir sin música. | I can’t live without music. | | Salió sin su mochila. | She left without her backpack. | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "113a201d", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "No puedo beber café ___ (without) azúcar.", "answer": [ "sin" ], "translation": "I can’t drink coffee without sugar.", "emoji": "☕", "explanation": "'Sin' expresses absence or lack: 'sin azúcar' = 'without sugar'.", "name": "ae39eac" }, { "quiz": "113a201d", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Choose the sentences that use 'sin' to indicate absence or omission.", "correct": [ "Salió sin su chaqueta.", "Trabajo sin descanso." ], "incorrect": [ "Vengo sin para llegar.", "Gracias sin la ayuda." ], "emoji": "🚫", "explanation": "'Sin' indicates 'without'; it cannot be combined directly with 'para' or used like 'gracias por'.", "name": "45bf674b" } ], "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "45877f2b" }> ``` --- ## sobre *Sobre* means “on,” “about,” or “over” and can indicate position or topic. It is used for physical location or for discussions and writings. | Spanish Sentence | English Translation | | --- | --- | | El libro está sobre la mesa. | The book is on the table. | | Hablamos sobre política. | We talk about politics. | | Una manta sobre la cama. | A blanket over the bed. | <{ "type":"quiz","exercises":[{"name":"712a30fe","quiz":"1847b7df","topic":"spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions","type":"exercise","question":"fill-in-blank","category":"vocabulary","text":"El cartel está ___ (on) la pared.","answer":["sobre"],"translation":"The poster is on the wall.","emoji":"🖼️","explanation":"'Sobre' can indicate physical position: 'sobre la pared' = 'on the wall'."},{"name":"3cbdaf44","quiz":"1847b7df","topic":"spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions","type":"exercise","question":"multiple-choice","category":"rule","prompt":"Which sentences use 'sobre' to mean 'about' or 'on'?","correct":["Hablamos sobre política.","El mapa muestra rutas sobre el río."],"incorrect":["Pienso en la política.","Voy por el río."],"emoji":"🗺️","explanation":"'Sobre' can mark topic (about) or physical position (on/over).'}],"name":"3d822fd3","topic":"spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions" }> --- ## entre *Entre* means “between” or “among” and divides space, time, or groups. It marks something in the middle or part of a set. | Spanish Sentence | English Translation | | --- | --- | | El banco está entre dos tiendas. | The bank is between two stores. | | Elige entre estas opciones. | Choose between these options. | | Hay acuerdo entre todos. | There is agreement among everyone. | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "69328246", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Elige ___ (between) estas opciones.", "answer": [ "entre" ], "translation": "Choose between these options.", "emoji": "🔀", "explanation": "'Entre' means 'between' or 'among': elegir entre varias opciones.", "name": "6983dbe5" }, { "quiz": "69328246", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which sentences correctly use 'entre' to divide space, time, or groups?", "correct": [ "El banco está entre dos calles.", "Hay acuerdo entre todos." ], "incorrect": [ "Camina entre hacia la plaza.", "Trabajo entre para completar." ], "emoji": "↔️", "explanation": "'Entre' correctly marks 'between' two points or 'among' a group.", "name": "c3c4491" } ], "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "3e715d90" }> ``` --- ## hasta *Hasta* means “until,” “up to,” or “even” and marks limits in time, space, or quantity. It can signal the end point of an action or period. | Spanish Sentence | English Translation | | --- | --- | | Trabajo hasta las seis. | I work until six. | | Llegó hasta la cima. | He arrived up to the top. | | Hay hasta veinte personas. | There are even twenty people. | ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "385ce6f9", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Trabajo ___ (until) las seis.", "answer": [ "hasta" ], "translation": "I work until six.", "emoji": "🕕", "explanation": "'Hasta' marks limits in time, space, or quantity: 'hasta las seis' = 'until six'.", "name": "329cde47" }, { "quiz": "385ce6f9", "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Choose the sentences where 'hasta' marks an end point or limit.", "correct": [ "Llegó hasta la cima.", "Estaré aquí hasta mañana." ], "incorrect": [ "Va hasta por la calle.", "Gracias hasta tu ayuda." ], "emoji": "🚩", "explanation": "'Hasta' signals an endpoint in time or space; it does not express cause or gratitude.", "name": "552d931" } ], "topic": "spanish/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "33715109" }> ``` --- ## Summary Spanish prepositions like *a*, *de*, *en*, *para*, *por*, *con*, *sin*, *sobre*, *entre*, and *hasta* consistently mark relationships of direction, time, cause, manner, and more. Learning short example sentences helps internalize their typical uses.