39.3.4 En
In the context of location, the single word en has different translations in English, for
example:Ramón está en su habitación. Ramón is in his room.
Mi padre no está en casa. My father is not at home.
El dinero está en la mesa. The money is on the table.
Está en todas partes. It is everywhere.25.1.14 (p. 123)
39.3.5 Encima de
The basic meaning of this phrase is ‘on’, ‘above’, ‘on top of’. It is much less frequent
than en (see above) and sobre (see below), except when one is referring to a high
position, for example:Estaba encima de la montaña. It was above the mountain.But it is an alternative to en in sentences like these:Está encima de la cama.
It is on the bed.Están encima del armario.
They are on top of the cupboard.25.1.16 (p. 125)
39.3.6 Enfrente de, frente a
Both phrases have the meaning of opposite. The first is more frequent in Spain, while
the second seems to be more frequent in Latin American Spanish. In Spain, frente a
corresponds to a more formal register.Su casa está enfrente de/frente a la catedral.
His/her house is opposite the cathedral.25.1.17 (p. 125); 25.1.19 (p. 125)
39.3.7 Entre
When expressing location, entre translates into English as ‘between’ or ‘among’ (or
‘amongst’, ‘in the midst of’), depending on the context.Está entre Correos y el banco.
It is between the post office and the bank.Estaba oculto entre la muchedumbre.
He was hidden among the crowd.25.1.18 (p. 125)
EXPRESSING LOCATION AND DISTANCE 39.3