{"id":1167,"date":"2017-03-03T07:00:47","date_gmt":"2017-03-03T15:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/?p=1167"},"modified":"2022-09-01T16:39:53","modified_gmt":"2022-09-02T00:39:53","slug":"spanish-prepositions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mydailyspanish.com\/spanish-prepositions\/","title":{"rendered":"An Introduction to Spanish Prepositions"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Prepositions\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Prepositions are small words that pack a big punch. They define, identify, and explain, and are an essential part of everyday speech.<\/p>\n

They help you identify the girl with<\/strong> the long hair, and you need them to explain that dinner is on<\/strong> the table. It\u2019s almost impossible to say a single sentence without<\/strong> (see what I mean?) one of these useful little words!Learning to use prepositions in Spanish isn\u2019t overly difficult but does take some practice. Read on for a quick introduction to these very useful little words.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s start at the beginning\u2026<\/h2>\n

Before we dive in too deep with what the Spanish prepositions are and how we use them, let\u2019s take a step back and review what prepositions are.<\/p>\n

What are prepositions and why are they so important?<\/h3>\n

A preposition is a (usually) little word that can have a big impact on what you\u2019re saying. It is what forms the connections and relations between different elements in a sentence.<\/p>\n

For example (prepositions in bold<\/strong>):<\/p>\n

    \n
  • The girl from<\/strong> Spain<\/li>\n
  • The boy across<\/strong> the street<\/li>\n
  • The store in<\/strong> the mall<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    They can be very important because there\u2019s a big difference between saying: \u201cThe dog is on<\/strong> the table\u201d and \u201cthe dog is under<\/strong> the table\u201d and it would make absolutely no sense to say \u201cthe dog is in<\/strong> the table\u201d.<\/p>\n

    Prepositional Phrases<\/h3>\n

    A preposition is always followed by an object (a noun or pronoun). In the examples given previously, the prepositional phrases would be:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • The girl from<\/strong> Spain<\/li>\n
    • The boy across<\/strong> the street<\/li>\n
    • The store in<\/strong> the mall<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      These phrases function as either adjectives or adverbs. In the examples above, the prepositional phrases are all functioning as adjectives, describing the nouns (girl, boy, store) answering the question \u201cWhich (girl,boy,store)?\u201d<\/p>\n

      An example of a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverb would be the set of examples relating to the dog.<\/p>\n

        \n
      • The dog is under<\/strong> the table<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Here, the prepositional phrase answers the question \u201cWhere (is the dog)?\u201d<\/p>\n

        Prepositions in Spanish<\/h2>\n

        Prepositions in Spanish function much the same as they do in English. They always take an object, and they will serve as either an adverb or adjective.<\/p>\n

        While on the surface they appear pretty easy (since they\u2019re like English and all) sometimes they can cause a few problems. Mainly, this comes when deciding which preposition to use when.For example, one of the prepositions that gets misused frequently in Spanish by English speakers is en<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t
        Spanish <\/td>English<\/td>Examples<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        En<\/td>In, On, At<\/td>Estoy en la tienda.
        \nEst\u00e1 en la mesa.
        \nEstoy en la casa de un amigo.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

        Two of its uses are pretty easy (in, on) since it sounds like its English equivalents.<\/p>\n

        Estoy en la tienda<\/em>.- I\u2019m in the store.<\/p>\n

        Est\u00e1 en la mesa.<\/em>– It\u2019s on the table.<\/p>\n

        This little word causes problems, however, with its third meaning \u201cat\u201d. Often times, as English speakers, we want to use the Spanish preposition a<\/em> in place of en<\/em> because we associate the a<\/em> with our own \u201cat\u201d. This is wrong, though. For example:<\/p>\n

        Estoy <\/em>en<\/em><\/strong> la casa de un amigo<\/em>– I\u2019m at a friend\u2019s house.<\/p>\n

        NOT<\/strong>: Estoy a<\/strong> la casa de un amigo.Let\u2019s look at some of the most common prepositions in Spanish and their different meanings and uses.<\/p>\n

        Most Common Prepositions in Spanish<\/h3>\n

        In addition to en<\/em> which we\u2019ve already seen, you will also commonly hear\/see the following prepositions in Spanish:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
        Spanish<\/center><\/th>
        English<\/center><\/th>
        Examples<\/center><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
        A<\/td>To, At (for time)<\/td>Voy a <\/Strong>la tienda.<\/i> (I\u2019m going to<\/Strong> the store.)
        \nEstar\u00e9 all\u00ed a<\/Strong> las tres.<\/i> (I\u2019ll be there at <\/Strong>3:00.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Antes de<\/td>Before<\/td>
        \nDebes estirar antes de <\/Strong>hacer ejercicio. <\/i>(You should stretch before<\/Strong> doing exercise.) <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Cerca de<\/td>Near<\/td>Estamos cerca de<\/Strong> tu casa.<\/i> (We are near<\/Strong> your house.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Con<\/td>With<\/td>Ella est\u00e1 con<\/Strong> sus padres.<\/i> (She is with<\/Strong> her parents.) <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        De<\/td>Of, From, Indicating Possession<\/td>\u00bfQu\u00e9 piensas de<\/Strong> la p\u00e9licula nueva?<\/i> (What do you think of<\/Strong> the new movie?)
        \n
        \nSoy de<\/Strong> los Estados Unidos.<\/i> (I am from<\/Strong> the USA.)
        \n
        \nEstamos en la casa de<\/Strong> Mar\u00eda. <\/i>(We are at Maria\u2019s house.) <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Dentro de<\/td>Inside of<\/td>Mi coche est\u00e1 dentro del<\/Strong> garaje. (My car is inside of <\/Strong>the garage.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Desde<\/td>Since, From<\/td>No he estado all\u00ed desde<\/Strong> hace un mes.<\/i>(I haven\u2019t been there since<\/Strong> a month ago).
        \n
        \nTir\u00f3 la pelota desde<\/Strong> aqu\u00ed. <\/i>(He threw the ball from<\/Strong> here.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Despu\u00e9s de<\/td>After<\/td>Despu\u00e9s de<\/Strong> clase, voy a estudiar. (After<\/Strong> class, I\u2019m going to study.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Detr\u00e1s de<\/td>Behind<\/td>El pan est\u00e1 detr\u00e1s de<\/Strong> los huevos.<\/i> (The bread is behind <\/Strong>the eggs.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Durante<\/td>During<\/td>Durante<\/Strong> el vuelo, dorm\u00ed.<\/i> (During<\/Strong> the flight, I slept.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Encima de<\/td>On top of<\/td>La sal est\u00e1 encima de<\/Strong> la mesa.<\/i> (The salt is on top of<\/Strong> the table.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Enfrente de<\/td>Opposite (across from)<\/td>Quedamos enfrente de<\/Strong> la biblioteca. <\/i>(We\u2019ll meet across from<\/Strong> the library).
        \n
        \n*Note: This is another one that usually trips up English speakers since it sounds like our version of \u201cin front of\u201d<\/u>.
        \nIf you want to say \u201cWe\u2019ll meet in front of the library\u201d it would be Quedamos en (at)<\/u> la biblioteca.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Entre<\/td>Between, Among<\/td>Entre<\/Strong> nosotros, no me gusta el profe de ingl\u00e9s.<\/i> (Between us, I don\u2019t like the English teacher.)
        \n
        \nHay un traidor entre<\/Strong> nosotros.<\/i> (There\u2019s a traitor among<\/Strong> us.) <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Fuera de<\/td>Outside of<\/td>Los servicios est\u00e1n fuera de<\/Strong> la estaci\u00f3n.<\/i> (The restrooms are outside of<\/Strong> the station.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Hasta<\/td>Until<\/td>No llegar\u00e9 hasta<\/Strong> las seis. <\/i>(I won\u2019t arrive until <\/Strong>6:00).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Para<\/td>For, In order to<\/td>Compr\u00e9 el regalo para<\/Strong> ti.<\/i> (I bought the gift for <\/Strong>you.)
        \n
        \nPara <\/Strong>aprender espa\u00f1ol, tienes que estudiar mucho. <\/i>(In order to<\/Strong> learn Spanish, you have to study a lot.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Por<\/td>For, By, Through<\/td>Damos gracias por<\/Strong> su paciencia.<\/i> (We are thankful for <\/Strong>your patience.)
        \n
        \nEl Quijote fue escrito por<\/Strong> Cervantes.<\/i> (The Quixote was written by<\/Strong> Cervantes.)
        \n
        \nTenemos que pasar por<\/Strong> el parque para llegar a la escuela. <\/i>(We have to pass through<\/Strong> the park in order to get to the school.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Sin<\/td>Without<\/td>No puedo vivir sin<\/Strong> ti. <\/i>(I can\u2019t live without <\/Strong>you.) <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
        Sobre<\/td>Over, About<\/td>El avi\u00f3n vuela sobre <\/Strong>el oc\u00e9ano. <\/i>(The plane flies over<\/Strong> the ocean.)
        \n
        \nEl libro es sobre <\/Strong>la Guerra Civil.<\/i> (The book is about<\/Strong> the Civil War.)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

        Some tricky verb\/ preposition combinations<\/h3>\n

        So, now that we have a working list of the most common prepositions in Spanish, let\u2019s look at some of the verb\/ preposition combinations that tend to be more difficult for English speakers.<\/p>\n

        A lot of verbs in Spanish take a specific preposition. For example:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Empezar a<\/em>– to start<\/li>\n
        • Acabar de<\/em>– to finish<\/li>\n
        • Dejar de<\/em>– to quit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          The best way to learn these is by simply familiarizing yourself with them as you come across them. Below, however, I want to list the ones that seem to be common pitfalls for English speakers because we would also use a preposition with the verb. However, the preposition we use, and the one used in Spanish are different (i.e. they don\u2019t translate exactly).<\/p>\n

            \n
          • Pensar de- We saw this one on our list. It means to think of.<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
              \n
            • \n
                \n
              • \n
                  \n
                • This is used to give an opinion<\/strong> (as in the example given above).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                    \n
                  • Pensar en- Meaning to think about. This is where the verb pensar with a preposition can get tricky. The translation isn\u2019t exact (as it would be \u201cthink in\/on\u201d).<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                      \n
                    • \n
                        \n
                      • \n
                          \n
                        • This is used to say \u201cI\u2019ve been thinking about him a lot\u201d or \u201cI\u2019m thinking about going to England for the summer.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                            \n
                          • He estado pensando<\/strong> mucho en<\/strong> \u00e9l.  Or Estoy pensando en <\/strong>ir a Inglaterra durante el verano.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                              \n
                            • \n
                                \n
                              • \n
                                  \n
                                • NOT an opinion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                    \n
                                  • So\u00f1ar con- Meaning to dream about\/ of.<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                      \n
                                    • \n
                                        \n
                                      • \n
                                          \n
                                        • For example: Anoche <\/em>so\u00f1e con<\/em><\/strong> ir a Paris<\/em>. (Last night I dreamed about\/ of going to Paris.)<\/li>\n
                                        • NEVER so\u00f1ar de.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                            \n
                                          • Enamorarse de- Meaning to fall in love with<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                              \n
                                            • \n
                                                \n
                                              • \n
                                                  \n
                                                • For example: Me <\/em>enamor\u00e9 de <\/em><\/strong>Espa\u00f1a.<\/em> (I fell in love with Spain).<\/li>\n
                                                • NEVER enamorarse con<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                    \n
                                                  • Depender de<\/em>– Meaning to depend on<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                      \n
                                                    • \n
                                                        \n
                                                      • \n
                                                          \n
                                                        • For example: Eso <\/em>depende de<\/em><\/strong> lo que hace \u00e9l.<\/em> (This depends on what he does.)<\/li>\n
                                                        • NEVER depender en<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                            \n
                                                          • Contar con- Meaning to count on<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                              \n
                                                            • \n
                                                                \n
                                                              • For example: Cuento<\/em><\/strong> mucho <\/em>con<\/em><\/strong>tigo<\/em>. (I count on you a lot.)<\/li>\n
                                                              • NEVER contar en  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                The dreaded \u201cpor\u201d and \u201cpara\u201d<\/h3>\n

                                                                These two little words can easily insight a sense of fear in English speaking Spanish students everywhere. Being that, more often than not, we translate both of them to our preposition \u201cfor\u201d knowing when to use each one can be a little confusing.While giving an in depth explanation of when to use each one may be a little too much for this specific article, let\u2019s just look at a quick chart that might help to clear up a few things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t
                                                                Por<\/Strong><\/td>Para<\/Strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                                                Used to show something in process. There\u2019s no finality associated with it.
                                                                \nCommonly means or is used to show:
                                                                \n

                                                                  \n
                                                                • \u201cThrough\u201d<\/li>
                                                                  \n
                                                                • \u201cBy\u201d<\/li>
                                                                  \n
                                                                • \u201cOn behalf of\u201d<\/li>
                                                                  \n
                                                                • Express gratitude or extend an apology<\/li>
                                                                  \n
                                                                • Exchange (including sales)<\/li>
                                                                  \n
                                                                • Express cause or reason<\/li>
                                                                  \n<\/ul><\/td>
                                                                		Used to show the \u201cend\u201d of something. There\u2019s a sense of finality with it.
                                                                \nCommonly means or is used to show:
                                                                \n

                                                                  \n
                                                                • Indicate destination <\/li>
                                                                  \n
                                                                • Show the purpose of an object<\/li>
                                                                  \n
                                                                • Indicate the recipient of something<\/li>
                                                                  \n
                                                                • \u201cIn order to\u201d<\/li>
                                                                  \n
                                                                • Express a deadline <\/li>
                                                                  \n<\/ul><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

                                                                  Example:<\/p>\n

                                                                  Compr\u00e9 un regalo <\/em>para<\/em><\/strong> (recipient) mi madre. Pagu\u00e9 5 Euros <\/em>por<\/em><\/strong> (exchange-sale) ella. Tambi\u00e9n ten\u00eda que comprar un regalo <\/em>para<\/em><\/strong> (recipient) mi madre <\/em>por<\/em><\/strong> (\u201con behalf of\u201d) mi hermano, porque no pod\u00eda ir a la tienda.<\/em>I bought a present for<\/strong> my mom. I paid 5 Euros for<\/strong> it. I also had a buy a present for<\/strong> my mother from\/for\/on behalf of<\/strong> my brother because he couldn\u2019t go to the store.<\/p>\n

                                                                  Contractions in Spanish<\/h2>\n

                                                                  There are only 2 contractions in Spanish, and they both happen to relate to prepositions. So, let\u2019s just go ahead and take a quick look at those, shall we?<\/p>\n

                                                                    \n
                                                                  • A+El=Al<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                                      \n
                                                                    • \n
                                                                        \n
                                                                      • \n
                                                                          \n
                                                                        • In you ever find these two little words (a<\/em> and el<\/em>) right next to each other, you can go ahead and mush them into one!<\/li>\n
                                                                        • Quiero ir a el cine= Quiero ir al<\/strong> cine. (I want to go to the movies.)<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                                            \n
                                                                          • De+El=Del<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                                                              \n
                                                                            • \n
                                                                                \n
                                                                              • You can do the same thing if you come across these two words (de<\/em> and el<\/em>).<\/li>\n
                                                                              • Vengo de el dentista= Vengo <\/em>del<\/em><\/strong> dentista.<\/em> (I\u2019m coming from the dentist.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                                                Conclusion<\/h2>\n

                                                                                On the surface, Spanish prepositions appear to be just like the ones in English. However, there are a few little nuances that every English-speaking Spanish student should be familiar with. These little, but extremely useful, words can be confusing sometimes. But, don\u2019t worry! The more you practice them, the easier they become.What do you think? Are there any frequently used prepositions that didn\u2019t make our list that you think should have? Are there any other tricky verb\/preposition combinations that always trip you up? We\u2019d love to hear from you!<\/p>\n

                                                                                Learn Spanish with this step-by-step method with audio!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/span><\/span>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                                                                Prepositions are small words that pack a big punch. They define, identify, and explain, and are an essential part of everyday speech. They help you identify the girl with the long hair, and you need them to explain that dinner is on the table. It\u2019s almost impossible to say a single sentence without (see what […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1204,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","tve_updated_post":"

                                                                                \"Prepositions\"<\/span><\/div>
                                                                                \t

                                                                                Prepositions are small words that pack a big punch. They define, identify, and explain, and are an essential part of everyday speech.<\/p>

                                                                                They help you identify the girl with<\/strong> the long hair, and you need them to explain that dinner is on<\/strong> the table. It\u2019s almost impossible to say a single sentence without<\/strong> (see what I mean?) one of these useful little words!

                                                                                Learning to use prepositions in Spanish isn\u2019t overly difficult but does take some practice. Read on for a quick introduction to these very useful little words.<\/p>

                                                                                Let\u2019s start at the beginning\u2026<\/h2>

                                                                                Before we dive in too deep with what the Spanish prepositions are and how we use them, let\u2019s take a step back and review what prepositions are.<\/p>

                                                                                What are prepositions and why are they so important?<\/h3>

                                                                                A preposition is a (usually) little word that can have a big impact on what you\u2019re saying. It is what forms the connections and relations between different elements in a sentence.<\/p>

                                                                                For example (prepositions in bold<\/strong>):<\/p>

                                                                                • The girl from<\/strong> Spain<\/li>
                                                                                • The boy across<\/strong> the street<\/li>
                                                                                • The store in<\/strong> the mall<\/li><\/ul>

                                                                                  They can be very important because there\u2019s a big difference between saying: \u201cThe dog is on<\/strong> the table\u201d and \u201cthe dog is under<\/strong> the table\u201d and it would make absolutely no sense to say \u201cthe dog is in<\/strong> the table\u201d.<\/p>

                                                                                  Prepositional Phrases<\/h3>

                                                                                  A preposition is always followed by an object (a noun or pronoun). In the examples given previously, the prepositional phrases would be:<\/p>

                                                                                  • The girl from<\/strong> Spain<\/li>
                                                                                  • The boy across<\/strong> the street<\/li>
                                                                                  • The store in<\/strong> the mall<\/li><\/ul>

                                                                                    These phrases function as either adjectives or adverbs. In the examples above, the prepositional phrases are all functioning as adjectives, describing the nouns (girl, boy, store) answering the question \u201cWhich (girl,boy,store)?\u201d<\/p>

                                                                                    An example of a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverb would be the set of examples relating to the dog.<\/p>

                                                                                    • The dog is under<\/strong> the table<\/li><\/ul>

                                                                                      Here, the prepositional phrase answers the question \u201cWhere (is the dog)?\u201d<\/p>

                                                                                      Prepositions in Spanish<\/h2>

                                                                                      Prepositions in Spanish function much the same as they do in English. They always take an object, and they will serve as either an adverb or adjective.<\/p>

                                                                                      While on the surface they appear pretty easy (since they\u2019re like English and all) sometimes they can cause a few problems. Mainly, this comes when deciding which preposition to use when.

                                                                                      For example, one of the prepositions that gets misused frequently in Spanish by English speakers is en<\/em>.<\/p>

                                                                                      [table id=41 \/]<\/p>

                                                                                      Two of its uses are pretty easy (in, on) since it sounds like its English equivalents.<\/p>

                                                                                      Estoy en la tienda<\/em>.- I\u2019m in the store.<\/p>

                                                                                      Est\u00e1 en la mesa.<\/em>- It\u2019s on the table.<\/p>

                                                                                      This little word causes problems, however, with its third meaning \u201cat\u201d. Often times, as English speakers, we want to use the Spanish preposition a<\/em> in place of en<\/em> because we associate the a<\/em> with our own \u201cat\u201d. This is wrong, though. For example:<\/p>

                                                                                      Estoy <\/em>en<\/em><\/strong> la casa de un amigo<\/em>- I\u2019m at a friend\u2019s house.<\/p>

                                                                                      NOT<\/strong>: Estoy a<\/strong> la casa de un amigo.

                                                                                      Let\u2019s look at some of the most common prepositions in Spanish and their different meanings and uses.<\/p>

                                                                                      Most Common Prepositions in Spanish<\/h3>

                                                                                      In addition to en<\/em> which we\u2019ve already seen, you will also commonly hear\/see the following prepositions in Spanish:<\/p>

                                                                                      [table id=42 \/]<\/p>

                                                                                      Some tricky verb\/ preposition combinations<\/h3>

                                                                                      So, now that we have a working list of the most common prepositions in Spanish, let\u2019s look at some of the verb\/ preposition combinations that tend to be more difficult for English speakers.<\/p>

                                                                                      A lot of verbs in Spanish take a specific preposition. For example:<\/p>

                                                                                      • Empezar a<\/em>- to start<\/li>
                                                                                      • Acabar de<\/em>- to finish<\/li>
                                                                                      • Dejar de<\/em>- to quit<\/li><\/ul>

                                                                                        The best way to learn these is by simply familiarizing yourself with them as you come across them. Below, however, I want to list the ones that seem to be common pitfalls for English speakers because we would also use a preposition with the verb. However, the preposition we use, and the one used in Spanish are different (i.e. they don\u2019t translate exactly).<\/p>

                                                                                        • Pensar de- We saw this one on our list. It means to think of.<\/em><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                              • This is used to give an opinion<\/strong> (as in the example given above).<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                • Pensar en- Meaning to think about. This is where the verb pensar with a preposition can get tricky. The translation isn\u2019t exact (as it would be \u201cthink in\/on\u201d).<\/em><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                      • This is used to say \u201cI\u2019ve been thinking about him a lot\u201d or \u201cI\u2019m thinking about going to England for the summer.\u201d<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                        • He estado pensando<\/strong> mucho en<\/strong> \u00e9l.  Or Estoy pensando en <\/strong>ir a Inglaterra durante el verano.<\/em><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                              • NOT an opinion.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                                • So\u00f1ar con- Meaning to dream about\/ of.<\/em><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                                      • For example: Anoche <\/em>so\u00f1e con<\/em><\/strong> ir a Paris<\/em>. (Last night I dreamed about\/ of going to Paris.)<\/li>
                                                                                                                      • NEVER so\u00f1ar de.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                                        • Enamorarse de- Meaning to fall in love with<\/em><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                                              • For example: Me <\/em>enamor\u00e9 de <\/em><\/strong>Espa\u00f1a.<\/em> (I fell in love with Spain).<\/li>
                                                                                                                              • NEVER enamorarse con<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                                                • Depender de<\/em>- Meaning to depend on<\/em><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                                                      • For example: Eso <\/em>depende de<\/em><\/strong> lo que hace \u00e9l.<\/em> (This depends on what he does.)<\/li>
                                                                                                                                      • NEVER depender en<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                                                        • Contar con- Meaning to count on<\/em><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                                                            • For example: Cuento<\/em><\/strong> mucho <\/em>con<\/em><\/strong>tigo<\/em>. (I count on you a lot.)<\/li>
                                                                                                                                            • NEVER contar en  <\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>

                                                                                                                                              The dreaded \u201cpor\u201d and \u201cpara\u201d<\/h3>

                                                                                                                                              These two little words can easily insight a sense of fear in English speaking Spanish students everywhere. Being that, more often than not, we translate both of them to our preposition \u201cfor\u201d knowing when to use each one can be a little confusing.

                                                                                                                                              While giving an in depth explanation of when to use each one may be a little too much for this specific article, let\u2019s just look at a quick chart that might help to clear up a few things.<\/p>

                                                                                                                                              [table id=43 \/]<\/p>

                                                                                                                                              Example:<\/p>

                                                                                                                                              Compr\u00e9 un regalo <\/em>para<\/em><\/strong> (recipient) mi madre. Pagu\u00e9 5 Euros <\/em>por<\/em><\/strong> (exchange-sale) ella. Tambi\u00e9n ten\u00eda que comprar un regalo <\/em>para<\/em><\/strong> (recipient) mi madre <\/em>por<\/em><\/strong> (\u201con behalf of\u201d) mi hermano, porque no pod\u00eda ir a la tienda.
                                                                                                                                              <\/em>
                                                                                                                                              I bought a present for<\/strong> my mom. I paid 5 Euros for<\/strong> it. I also had a buy a present for<\/strong> my mother from\/for\/on behalf of<\/strong> my brother because he couldn\u2019t go to the store.<\/p>

                                                                                                                                              Contractions in Spanish<\/h2>

                                                                                                                                              There are only 2 contractions in Spanish, and they both happen to relate to prepositions. So, let\u2019s just go ahead and take a quick look at those, shall we?<\/p>

                                                                                                                                              • A+El=Al<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                                                                    • In you ever find these two little words (a<\/em> and el<\/em>) right next to each other, you can go ahead and mush them into one!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                    • Quiero ir a el cine= Quiero ir al<\/strong> cine. (I want to go to the movies.)<\/em><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                                                                      • De+El=Del<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                                                                          • You can do the same thing if you come across these two words (de<\/em> and el<\/em>).<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                          • Vengo de el dentista= Vengo <\/em>del<\/em><\/strong> dentista.<\/em> (I\u2019m coming from the dentist.)<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>

                                                                                                                                                            Conclusion<\/h2>

                                                                                                                                                            On the surface, Spanish prepositions appear to be just like the ones in English. However, there are a few little nuances that every English-speaking Spanish student should be familiar with. These little, but extremely useful, words can be confusing sometimes. But, don\u2019t worry! The more you practice them, the easier they become.

                                                                                                                                                            What do you think? Are there any frequently used prepositions that didn\u2019t make our list that you think should have? Are there any other tricky verb\/preposition combinations that always trip you up? We\u2019d love to hear from you!<\/p>

                                                                                                                                                            Learn Spanish with this step-by-step method with audio!<\/strong><\/p>

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