"encima" vs. "en"

Question

What's the distinction between "en" (meaning on) and "encima" (meaning on top of)? To say "The books are on the table," would you say "en la mesa" or "encima de la mesa?"

Answer 1

For me, it helps to think of the probable origin of encima -> en cima

Cima means peak, top. Encima means on top of, as opposed to simply on or in.

El libro está en la mesa. You're not trying to emphasize that it's "on top" so much as it's "on" the table. The fact that it's really on top is known by context.

Awesome. Thanks, Pesta! - tejanajo, Dec 2, 2011

What about "en frente de" vs. "delante de?" And "debajo de" vs. "abajo de?" :-) - tejanajo, Dec 2, 2011

Hey, thanks loads, Pesa!! - territurtle, Dec 2, 2011

Right, sramage, I think you found a useful learning pattern! Thanks. - pesta, Dec 3, 2011

Answer 2

We use both.

Of course "encima" is the proper word to use, but we also use "en" to mean "encima" or "dentro"

Also "encima" would be to be specific.

El libro está en la mesa.

1. The table has a drawer. The table is completely clean and there is nothing on top of it. You immediately open the drawer because de book it inside the dawer.

2. The same table, but this time the table is cluttered.

...mira bien, que está encima or (dentro del cajón)

jeje, Chileno, I think you unconsciously became "bilingual" in the same phrase: "de book it inside the dawer" = "the book is inside the drawer." - territurtle, Dec 2, 2011

Nice. Thank you! - tejanajo, Dec 2, 2011