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"En la mesa" is a phrase which is often translated as "on the table", and "a la mesa" is a phrase which is often translated as "to the table". Learn more about the difference between "en la mesa" and "a la mesa" below.
en la mesa(
ehn
lah
meh
-
sah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. on the table
Mila dejó las llaves en la mesa y fue corriendo al baño.Mila left the keys on the table and hurried to the bathroom.
2. (sitting at the table) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
b. at the desk
Juan no está en la mesa ahora mismo. ¿Quiere dejarle algún recado?Juan's not at the desk right now. Would you like to leave a message?
a la mesa(
ah
lah
meh
-
sah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. to the table
¿Puedes llevar los cubiertos a la mesa, por favor?Can you take the cutlery to the table, please?
a. at the table
Cuando entré en el comedor, toda la familia estaba sentada a la mesa.When I came into the dining room, the whole family was sitting at the table.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
A la mesa le cojea una pata.One of the table's legs is wobbly.
A la mesa le hace falta un mantel.The table needs a tablecloth.
