simple rules for using "a" "de" "en" etc.

Question

Because I'm using alot of online resources like duolingo and languagezen, I don't always encounter actual "lessons" with useful rules. One thing I'm having a hard time with is when to use "en" vs. "a" or "de" etc. I know some ... like "at home" would be "en casa" not the more intuitive "a casa", and I know to use "a" before a noun in phrases like "llamar a mi hermano" or "llama al medico!" I also know that there are some idomatic phrases that end in "de" or "en" that make it confusing, but I know I will need to learn those as they present themselves. One confusing sentence I just encountered on Yabla is, "Una cabaña de una cama" (One cabin with one bed). I would have picked "de" dead last over "con" ..."de" doesn't seem intuitive to me here. Is there a handy lesson somewhere that goes into the use of these "pequeño cosas peliagudo?" Gracias!

Welcome to SpanishDict. - rac1, Nov 27, 2016

Gracias, Rac1 - hotwired, Nov 27, 2016

De nada. :) - rac1, Nov 27, 2016

Answer 1

Prepositions are very hard, and it is just getting used to how each is used. It is still the number one error I make from lack of knowledge (as opposed to just doing something I know better than- number two would be definite article inclusion).

It is not easy for Spanish learners going the other way either- try to explain to someone why when you get on a car you are on top of it, but when you get on a bus you are inside it. They dream with things, we dream of them. etc. etc. etc.

I am not aware of any simple lesson.

Here are four lessons at about.com one one each of the ones you mention.

Just search Spanish about.com preposition X for any other.

http://spanish.about.com/od/prepositions/a/a.htm

http://spanish.about.com/od/conjunctions/a/con.htm

http://spanish.about.com/od/prepositions/a/preposition_de.htm

http://spanish.about.com/od/prepositions/a/preposition_en.htm

I agree, there is nothing simple about prepositions in any language that has them - 005faa61, Nov 27, 2016

Answer 2

It's the same problem for English learners.

The only way to master the proper use of prepositions, is by reading, and a lot.

Answer 3

Welcome to the forum. I remember a native Spanish teacher we had, who spoke excellent English but prepared a lesson which had someone getting on the car - I had never noticed that I got in a car/taxi but on a bus, train or boat!

I remember a lesson about quedar and quedarse and the various meanings depending whether it is reflexive and what prepostion follows eg quedar en. This site is good and has various examples of 'complemento de régimen' plus quizzes. I find it is best to remember phrases rather than learn a sterile list profe ele

For example one of my favourite songs is Jugar por jugar sung as a duet by Pradera and Sabina [his solo version has different words] I remember the phrase que bailar es soñar con los pies.

Jugar por Jugar

I can actually tell you a rule to determine if you get on or in a mode of transportation. But most English speakers can't, and do it by instinct. ;) - bosquederoble, Nov 27, 2016

What is it, Bosque? I have a friend from Puerto Rico and I've tried and tried to explain it to him with no luck. - rac1, Nov 27, 2016

He's always saying things like, I have to put gas on my car. He gets on and in so mixed up. - rac1, Nov 27, 2016

I know the rule too, but I'll wait to see whether bosque comes back to reveal it. - AnnRon, Nov 28, 2016

My rule only covers getting in a vehicle.. Anything flat (raft) or convex (like a horse or motorcycle) you get on. If it has any edge/lip to fully enclosed and you normally don't stand you get in- canoe, car, motorcycle side car. - bosquederoble, Nov 28, 2016

But if you normally stand, even some of the time, you still get on- bus, ship, airplane. But it doesn't help with where you put gasoline. :) - bosquederoble, Nov 28, 2016

My rule overlaps yours, bosque, but is slightly different: If you can walk around inside or on it (down an aisle counts), you get ON it; otherwise you get IN it. Still doesn't help with where you put the gas. Sigh. - AnnRon, Nov 28, 2016

but you can't walk on a bicycle or horse and you get on them. :) - bosquederoble, Nov 28, 2016

Answer 4

This is fantastic stuff and just what I was looking for!