vs 

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"Next to" is a preposition which is often translated as "al lado de", and "nearby" is an adverb which is often translated as "cerca". Learn more about the difference between "next to" and "nearby" below.
next to(
nehkst
 
tu
)
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
preposition
a. al lado de
The teacher's desk is next to the chalkboard.El escritorio del maestro está al lado del pizarrón.
b. junto a
My favorite restaurant is next to the beach.Mi restaurante preferido está junto a la playa.
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nearby(
nir
-
bay
)
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. cerca
My parents live nearby, so I see them quite often.Mis padres viven cerca, así que los veo a menudo.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. cercano
I met my college roommate at a nearby cafe.Me encontré con mi compañero de cuarto de la universidad en un café cercano.
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