Prepositions are used in almost every sentence. They can be a great tool to link words with each other. For example by simply knowing how to use “to”, “with”, “from”, “after” you can expand your conversation scope. These prepositions show direction or location.
Directional prepositions indicate the location of what is being talked about. If you want to know where something is, or how to get somewhere, or even at what location something is happening, you will be using directional prepositions. In Spanish there are several of these:
| Encima de | On top of |
| Enfrente de | In front of / opposite |
| Debajo de | Underneath |
| Entre | In between |
| Detrás de | Behind |
| Lejos de | Far from |
| Delante de | in front of / ahead of |
| Cerca de | Near to |
| Al lado de | Next to |
| Dentro de / adentro de | Inside |
| A la izquierda | To the left |
| A la derecha | To the right |
These are just a few of the prepositions used. The preposition “A” is used for directional instructions, as well as to indicate time:
The directional “A” or “Al” is translated as “to” not “at.” Voy a la cena. I am going to supper.
The directional “a” is used to indicate time, places, events.
Voy al cine – I am going to the movies
To a person: Voy a ver a Ernesto. – I am going to see Ernesto
To an activity: Voy a estudiar – I am going to study
To a place: Voy a la biblioteca – I am going to the library
To a time: La película comienza a las ocho – The movie starts at eight.
Examples of uses of “Al”
Voy al teatro a ver una obra – I am going to the theater to see a play.
Gladys va al concierto para escuchar música. – Gladys goes to the concert to listen to music.
To indicate when an event is going to happen, you use the directional “A” plus “ser.”
El desfile es a las 9 de la noche. The parade is at 9 pm.
Another preposition is “EN.” This is used to indicate where things or people are located. “EN” translates to “in,” “at,” “on.”
La ropa está en la mesa. – The clothes are on the table
Mi bebida está en mi vaso – My drink is in my cup.
Notice how the same preposition “en” is used for both “in,” “on.”
Each sentence uses the verb “estar,” and there are other verbs which always need the preposition “A” to go with them.
Asistir a – To attend Jugar a – Play ….
Invitar a – Invite … Llegar a – To arrive at
Ayudar a – Help … Hablar a – Speak to
In these verbs the “a” is part of the verb’s construction (invitar a la fiesta) and should not be confused with what we will call personal “a,” which comes before a person who receives the action (invitar a Diana).
Voy a invitar a Diana a la fiesta. I am going to invite Diana to the party.