When do I use "adonde" and just "donde"?

Question

when do you use A proceeding Donde and what is the difference between A donde and donde

Answer 1

In general, "donde" means where and "adonde" means to where.

¿Dónde estás? = Where are you?

¿Adónde vamos? = Where are we going (to)?

Would the correct (if not often spoken) way to say it in English be "To where are we going?" that way the sentence doesn't end in a preposition. It's just more of a direct translation that way :) - Morethan3words, Apr 29, 2010

Yes, you would not end a sentence in a preposition. I put the (to) in parenthesis to try and show that. - --Mariana--, Apr 29, 2010

Yes - but we don't. - ian-hill, Apr 29, 2010

Answer 2

If you are English speaking you might find it easy to think of 'adónde' as the old English word 'whither' - that is the actual difference because 'whither' implies movement. Hope that is a help.

Answer 3

If you really want to be confused, read this article on the difference between a donde, adonde and adónde.

adonde, a donde, adónde

(hint-the examples in red type are incorrect uses) - 0074b507, Apr 29, 2010

Answer 4

The easiest way I can explain it is that "adonde" gives "direction".

¿Adónde vas? - To where are you going?

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"donde" implies you are already there.

¿Dónde estás? - Where are you?

Answer 5

You use "adonde" when you are using the verb "ir" to go in the sentence. Otherwise, you use "donde".

verbs of movement in general - 0074b507, Apr 29, 2010

si :) - mamasita_s, Apr 29, 2010