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"Dentro de" is a preposition which is often translated as "inside", and "al lado de" is a phrase which is often translated as "next to". Learn more about the difference between "dentro de" and "al lado de" below.
dentro de(
dehn
-
troh
 
deh
)
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
preposition
a. inside
Mi perro duerme dentro de su jaula.My dog sleeps inside his cage.
b. within
Hay varios restaurantes de comida rápida dentro del centro comercial.There are several fast food restaurants within the mall.
c. in
Puse la carta dentro del buzón para que el cartero la recoja.I placed the letter in the mailbox for the mailman to pick up.
a. in
¡Dentro de una semana, estaré de camino a Sacramento!In one week, I will be on my way to Sacramento!
b. within
El trabajo deberá estar listo dentro del plazo que especifique el profesor.The assignment should be ready within the deadline the teacher specifies.
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al lado de(
ahl
 
lah
-
doh
 
deh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. next to
Espérame en el restaurante que está al lado del metro.Wait for me at the restaurant that is next to the subway.
b. beside
El novio estaba sentado al lado de la novia durante la ceremonia.The groom was sitting beside the bride during the ceremony.
a. with
Su esposo siempre estuvo al lado de ella cuando lo necesitó.Her husband was always with her when she needed him.
a. compared to
Nuestra casa es muy pequeña al lado de la suya.Our house is very small compared to yours.
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