The Multiple Uses of the Preposition De
One of the most used prepositions in Spanish is de. Let's learn how to use it to express different functions.
What are the Uses of De?
This preposition can be used to:
Rule 1. Indicate origin, or say where we are from:
Native
Translation
Soy de Ciudad de México.
I am from Mexico City.
For this function, the preposition de must precede the place of origin.
Native
Translation
My mamá es de Perú.
My mom is from Peru.
Rule 2. Indicate that something belongs to someone:
Native
Translation
Este bolso es de mi madre.
This is my mom's bag.
For this function, the preposition de must precede the owner.
Native
Translation
El carro rojo es de Alejandro.
The red car is Alejandro's.
Rule 3. To describe physical characteristics:
Native
Translation
Una mujer de cabello rojizo.
A woman with reddish hair.
For this function, the preposition de must precede the characteristic.
Native
Translation
Un hombre de ojos oscuros.
A dark-eyed man.
Rule 4. To describe the material or the content of an object:
Native
Translation
Esta es una botella de tequila.
This is a tequila bottle.
For this function, the preposition de must precede the material or content.
Native
Translation
Es una olla de barro.
It is a clay pot.
Rule 5. It is often used with superlatives:
Native
Translation
Él es el hombre más rico del mundo.
He is the richest man in the world.
For this function, the preposition de must precede the outstanding characteristic.
Native
Translation
Los mejores tacos de México.
The best tacos in Mexico.
Rule 6. It is used to express time range or duration:
Native
Translation
Trabajo de lunes a viernes, de 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m.
I work from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For this function, the preposition de must precede the time range or duration.
Native
Translation
Abrimos de lunes a viernes.
We are open from Monday to Friday.
Changes in De with Definite Articles
The preposition de will change to del when accompanied by a masculine singular definite article. It's a common Spanish contraction.
Native
Translation
El carro es del amigo de mi papá.
The car belongs to my dad's friend.
Please note that this change will only occur with this definite article, it will not apply if the masculine article is singular or if it is feminine.
Native
Translation
Ellos son de los Estados Unidos.
They are from the United States.
Normalmente estudio de las 7:00 p.m. hasta que me acuesto.
I usually study from 7:00 p.m. until I go to bed.
Quiz
1/4
Es el cuaderno de mi primo.
0
correct answers.