Common Prepositions

The preposition a typically marks direction, time, and the indirect object. It is also used before persons and certain expressions.

De signals origin, possession, material, cause, and content. It commonly links nouns to show relationships.

En marks location, time, and means. It is used for places, moments, and sometimes for modes of transport or manner.

Para indicates purpose, destination, deadline, and recipient. It shows for whom or for what something is intended.

Por expresses cause, duration, exchange, movement through space, and more. It often marks reason, time spans, and routes.

Con means “with” and shows accompaniment, instrument, manner, or characteristic. It links a person, thing, or quality to an action.

Sin means “without” and indicates the absence of something needed, desired, or expected. It contrasts with con.

Sobre means “on,” “about,” or “over” and can indicate position or topic. It is used for physical location or for discussions and writings.

Entre means “between” or “among” and divides space, time, or groups. It marks something in the middle or part of a set.

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 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.