What Are Prepositions?
Prepositions are invariable words that act as connectors within sentences. They lack autonomy and cannot function alone except in specific cases.
Why Do Spanish Learners Struggle with Prepositions?
Prepositions often don’t align with those in other languages, making them challenging. Mastery requires extensive reading, dictionary use, and memorization, as many verbs require specific prepositions.
Key Prepositions and Their Uses
A
- Indicates time: La clase empieza a las ocho. → The class starts at eight.
- Shows direction: Voy a París. → I’m going to Paris.
- Introduces indirect/direct objects (for people): Regalaron el coche a Luisa. → They gave the car to Luisa.
DE
- Expresses possession: La casa de mis abuelos. → My grandparents’ house.
- Describes material/origin: Un vaso de leche. → A glass of milk.
EN
- Location/time: Trabajaba en Bruselas. → I worked in Brussels.
- Duration: Termino en una hora. → I’ll finish in an hour.
CON
- Company: Voy con amigos. → I’m going with friends.
- Manner: Trabaja con alegría. → He works cheerfully.
PARA/POR
- Para: Purpose/recipient (Para mi madre → For my mother).
- Por: Cause/approximation (Por pereza → Due to laziness).
Verbs Requiring Specific Prepositions
- A: Acostumbrarse a (get used to), Atreverse a (dare to).
- DE: Acordarse de (remember), Tratar de (try to).
- EN: Confiar en (trust), Fijarse en (notice).
