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"En" is a form of "en", a preposition which is often translated as "in". "Encima de la mesa" is a phrase which is often translated as "on the table". Learn more about the difference between "encima de la mesa" and "en" below.
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. on the table
Creí haber dejado los lentes encima de la mesa, pero no están.I thought I left my glasses on the table, but they're not there.
b. on top of the table
Gladys se subió encima de la mesa y se puso a bailar.Gladys climbed on top of the table and started dancing.
c. on the desk
Silvio tenía una foto de su esposa encima de la mesa.Silvio had a picture of his wife on the desk.
d. on top of the desk
Me gusta tener mucho espacio, así que solo quiero la computadora encima de la mesa, nada más.I like to have plenty of space so I just want the computer on top of the desk, nothing else.
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en(
ehn
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A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
preposition
a. in
Hay comida ya preparada en el supermercado.There's ready-made food in the supermarket.
b. on
Puedes poner los cubiertos en la mesa.You can put the silverware on the table.
c. at
Los niños están en la escuela.The kids are at school.
a. in
En 1969 aterrizamos en la luna.In 1969, we landed on the moon.
a. in
Si un oso te persigue, corre en zigzag.If a bear is chasing you, run in a zig-zag formation.
a. by
No vinimos en avión; vinimos en tren.We didn't come by plane. We came by train.
a. about
¿En qué piensas?What are you thinking about?
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