Spanish grammar: preposiciones de lugar

What this grammar point covers

Preposiciones de lugar are words in Spanish used to describe where something or someone is located. They help explain the position or place in relation to other objects.

When to use it

Use preposiciones de lugar in Spanish to say where people, objects, or places are. They are common when giving directions, describing a room, or talking about where things are positioned.

Key forms

• en
• sobre
• debajo de
• detrás de
• delante de
• al lado de
• entre
• cerca de
• lejos de

Examples

Tips

• Some prepositions need 'de' after them, like 'debajo de', 'al lado de', 'cerca de'.
• Remember to use 'el' or 'la' with the noun after the preposition (e.g., 'debajo de la mesa').
• With 'de' + 'el', combine them into 'del' (e.g., 'detrás del sofá').

Exceptions and edge cases

• When 'de' comes before 'el', use 'del' (not 'de el').