vs 

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"Detrás de" is a preposition which is often translated as "behind", and "al lado" is a phrase which is often translated as "nearby". Learn more about the difference between "detrás de" and "al lado" below.
detrás de(
deh
-
trahs
 
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. behind
Los motivos detrás de sus acciones son claros.The motives behind her actions are clear.
b. after
¿Quién es Celia? - Es la muchacha detrás de Felipe en la fila.Who is Celia? - She's the girl after Felipe in line.
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al lado(
ahl
 
lah
-
doh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. nearby
No tardo mucho en llegar a la oficina porque vivo aquí al lado.It doesn't take me long to get to work because I live nearby.
a. next-door
¿Quién está en la oficina de al lado? - El gerente.Who's in the next-door office? - Our manager.
a. next door
¿Quién vive al lado? - Un matrimonio mayor.Who lives next door? - A senior couple.
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