Spanish 1.7. Prepositions

Here are some of the most used prepositions in Spanish that will help you construct basic sentences.

“hasta” as an adverb meaning “even”

The preposition “hasta” can also be an adverb, meaning “even,” e.g., “Hace calor hasta con el ventilador” (It’s hot even with the fan).

“por” vs. “para” meaning “for”

Note that both “para” and “por” can be used to mean “for.” Differences between the two with examples will be explained in Level III, Lesson 2 on the uses of “por” vs. “para.”

“tras” vs. “detrás” meaning “behind”

Both “tras” and “detrás” mean “behind.” However, “detrás” is more widely used in daily conversations, whereas “tras” is found mostly in formal writing.

Also, “detrás” can be used as an adverb, e.g., “Mira detrás” (Look behind), whereas “tras” cannot be used as an adverb.

For instance, we can say “Mira tras la silla” (Look behind the chair), but we cannot say “Mira tras” without it being followed by a noun.

Expressing the meaning of “about”

To express the meaning of “about” (e.g., to talk about someone or watch a documentary about something), we often use “sobre” or “acerca de.”

For example:

In some contexts, we could use “de” to mean “about,” for example:

Quiz: Prepositions in Spanish

Spanish: Prepositions

1 / 10

1. I live near the city.

 

SP: Vivo la ciudad.

Check

2 / 10

2. The garage is outside the house.

 

SP: El garaje está la casa.

Check

3 / 10

3. A fish can’t live without water.

 

SP: Un pez no puede vivir agua.

Check

4 / 10

4. I live in Roma.

 

SP: Yo vivo Roma.

Check

5 / 10

5. The color of that car is blue.

 

SP: El color ese auto es azul.

Check

6 / 10

6. I am against injustice.

 

SP: Estoy la injusticia.

Check

7 / 10

7. As a kid, I was shy.

 

SP: niño era tímido.

Check

8 / 10

8. I have just returned from the park.

 

SP: Acabo de regresar parque.

Check

There are only two contractions in Spanish that involve the singular masculine definite article “el,” and, unlike in English, these contractions are not optional and must be applied:

1	a + el = al	e.g., “Yo voy al restaurante” (I go to the restaurant).
2	de + el = del	e.g., “Yo vengo del café” (I come from the café).

There are only two contractions in Spanish that involve the singular masculine definite article “el,” and, unlike in English, these contractions are not optional and must be applied:

1	a + el = al	e.g., “Yo voy al restaurante” (I go to the restaurant).
2	de + el = del	e.g., “Yo vengo del café” (I come from the café).

9 / 10

9. I go to the restaurant alone.

 

SP: Voy solo restaurante.

Check

There are only two contractions in Spanish that involve the singular masculine definite article “el,” and, unlike in English, these contractions are not optional and must be applied:

1	a + el = al	e.g., “Yo voy al restaurante” (I go to the restaurant).
2	de + el = del	e.g., “Yo vengo del café” (I come from the café).

There are only two contractions in Spanish that involve the singular masculine definite article “el,” and, unlike in English, these contractions are not optional and must be applied:

1	a + el = al	e.g., “Yo voy al restaurante” (I go to the restaurant).
2	de + el = del	e.g., “Yo vengo del café” (I come from the café).

10 / 10

10. I contacted you by phone.

 

SP: Te contacté teléfono.

Check

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Next: Interrogative Pronouns & Adjectives

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