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"Above" is a preposition which is often translated as "encima de", and "on" is a preposition which is often translated as "en". Learn more about the difference between "above" and "on" below.
above(
uh
-
buhv
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
1. (over)
a. encima de
There was a huge spider walking above the doorway.Había una araña enorme caminado encima de la puerta.
b. sobre
There was a lovely painting of a summer sky above the table.Había un lindo cuadro de un cielo veraniego sobre la mesa.
c. arriba de
The airplanes were flying above the Washington Monument.Los aviones volaban arriba del Monumento a Washington.
2. (more than)
a. más de
All children above five years of age are required to attend school.Todos los niños de más de cinco años de edad deben asistir a la escuela.
b. por encima de
The price of milk in that store is always above four dollars.El precio de la leche en esa tienda siempre está por encima de cuatro dólares.
a. por encima de
You must obey his orders because he is above you.Tienes que obedecer sus órdenes porque está por encima de ti.
a. por encima de
You'll have to excuse me; I am above petty matters like these.Me tendrán que disculpar; estoy por encima de asuntos insignificantes como estos.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
5. (higher)
a. arriba
There were several archers aiming at us from above.Había varios arqueros apuntándonos desde arriba.
a. de rango superior
All officers from lieutenant and above are required to attend.Todos los oficiales desde el teniente hasta los de rango superior deben asistir.
7. (before)
a. arriba (in a text)
As can be seen above, this contract includes several ambiguously worded clauses.Como se puede ver arriba, este contrato incluye varias cláusulas redactadas de manera ambigua.
8. (more than)
a. para arriba
For those patrons who are 60 and above, we have senior discounts.Para los clientes de 60 para arriba, tenemos descuentos de la tercera edad.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
10. (aforementioned)
a. sobredicho
The above example illustrates the necessity for climate change policies.El ejemplo sobredicho demuestra la necesidad de políticas de cambio climático.
on(
an
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Our anniversary is on Saturday.Nuestro aniversario es el sábado.
Where were you on the morning of September 30th?¿Dónde estabas la mañana del 30 de septiembre?
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Are you on any medication?¿Toma algún medicamento?
The driver was a young kid on drugs.El conductor era un chico que iba drogado.
a. de (trip, tour or vacation)
The band will be on tour until December.El grupo estará de gira hasta diciembre.
a. en (the Internet)
I spent hours on the Internet looking for information for my paper.Pasé horas en Internet buscando de información para mi trabajo.
b. a (the phone)
I have to talk with my boss, but he's on the phone at the moment.Tengo que hablar con mi jefe pero está al teléfono ahora mismo.
11. (radio or TV)
12. (transport)
b. a (into a bus, train or airplane)
We got on the plane at six, but we only took off half an hour later.Subimos al avión a las seis pero tardamos media hora en despegar.
13. (music)
a. a
Playing on keyboards, Dave! A big round of applause for him!¡Al teclado, Dave! ¡Un fuerte aplauso para él!
14. (according to)
a. según
The order will be delivered based on your instructions.Se entregará el pedido según sus instrucciones.
a. por cuenta de
The dinner is on my father, and I will buy the cinema tickets.La cena va por cuenta de mi padre y yo pago las entradas para el cine.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
17. (in place)
18. (with clothing)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
From next year on, I will be pursuing my real dream.A partir del año que viene, perseguiré mi verdadero sueño.
There's a gas station a couple of miles further on.Hay una gasolinera un par de millas más adelante.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Dream on; nothing is impossible!¡Sigue soñando, que nada es imposible!
She went on and on about how smart her kids were.No paraba de hablar de lo inteligentes que eran sus hijos.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
21. (in operation)
a. encendido
If the lights are on, the store's open.Si las luces están encendidas, la tienda está abierta.
b. prendido (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
While the oven is on, I'll bake this cake.Como está prendido el horno, hornearé esta torta.
22. (occurring)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
The race is on to find the missing ship.Ya empezó la carrera para encontrar el barco desaparecido.
This event is still on, despite the rain!¡El evento sigue en pie a pesar de la lluvia!
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Is there anything good on at the movies?¿Están dando algo bueno en el cine?
Your favorite song is on right now.Está sonando tu canción favorita ahora mismo.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I bet you $20 she doesn’t turn up. - You’re on!Te apuesto $10 a que no viene. - ¡Trato hecho!
I'll buy you dinner if you ask her out. - OK, you're on.Te invito a cenar si le pides que salga contigo - Vale.
