vs 

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"Encima de" is a phrase which is often translated as "on", and "al lado de" is a phrase which is often translated as "next to". Learn more about the difference between "encima de" and "al lado de" below.
encima de(
ehn
-
see
-
mah
 
deh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
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.
a. above
Vivimos en el apartamento encima de la tienda.We live in the apartment above the store.
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al lado de(
ahl
 
lah
-
doh
 
deh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. next to
Espérame en el restaurante que está al lado del metro.Wait for me at the restaurant that is next to the subway.
b. beside
El novio estaba sentado al lado de la novia durante la ceremonia.The groom was sitting beside the bride during the ceremony.
a. with
Su esposo siempre estuvo al lado de ella cuando lo necesitó.Her husband was always with her when she needed him.
a. compared to
Nuestra casa es muy pequeña al lado de la suya.Our house is very small compared to yours.
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