vs
QUICK ANSWER
"En" is a form of "en", a preposition which is often translated as "in". "A la mesa" is a phrase which is often translated as "to the table". Learn more about the difference between "en" and "a la mesa" below.
en(
ehn
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
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.
