dentro de
vs
encima de

QUICK ANSWER

"Dentro de" is a preposition which is often translated as "inside", and "encima de" is a phrase which is often translated as "on". Learn more about the difference between "dentro de" and "encima 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

1. (in the interior)

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.

2. (time limit)

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.

encima de(

)

A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).

phrase

1. (on the surface of)

a. on

¿De quién son esos libros que hay encima del sofá? - Son míos, ahora los quito.Whose books are those on the sofa? - They're mine. I'll take them off in a minute.

b. on top of

Las llaves están encima de la mesa.The keys are on top of the table.

2. (over)

a. above

Vivimos en el apartamento encima de la tienda.We live in the apartment above the store.

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