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:
Spanish
English
Soy de Ciudad de México.
I am from Mexico City.
For this function, the preposition de must precede the place of origin.
Spanish
English
My mamá es de Perú.
My mom is from Peru.
Rule 2. Indicate that something belongs to someone:
Spanish
English
Este bolso es de mi madre.
This is my mom's bag.
For this function, the preposition de must precede the owner.
Spanish
English
El carro rojo es de Alejandro.
The red car is Alejandro's.
Rule 3. To describe physical characteristics:
Spanish
English
Una mujer de cabello rojizo.
A woman with reddish hair.
For this function, the preposition de must precede the characteristic.
Spanish
English
Un hombre de ojos oscuros.
A dark-eyed man.
Rule 4. To describe the material or the content of an object:
Spanish
English
Esta es una botella de tequila.
This is a tequila bottle.
For this function, the preposition de must precede the material or content.
Spanish
English
Es una olla de barro.
It is a clay pot.
Rule 5. It is often used with superlatives:
Spanish
English
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.
Spanish
English
Los mejores tacos de México.
The best tacos in Mexico.
Rule 6. It is used to express time range or duration:
Spanish
English
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.
Spanish
English
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.
Spanish
English
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.
Spanish
English
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.