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"Onto" is a preposition which is often translated as "a", and "into" is a preposition which is often translated as "en". Learn more about the difference between "onto" and "into" below.
onto(
an
-
tu
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
1. (on top of)
a. a
The child climbed onto bed and sat next to his mother.El niño trepó a la cama y se sentó junto a su madre.
b. en
One of the engines stopped working, and the pilot had to land onto a golf course.Una de las turbinas falló y el piloto tuvo que aterrizar en un campo de golf.
c. sobre
I knocked over a glass, and wine spilled onto the table.Volqué un vaso y el vino se derramó sobre la mesa
2. (colloquial) (aware of)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I knew you were onto something, but I never imagined it was a surprise party for me.Sabía que estabas tramando algo, pero nunca me imaginé que sería una fiesta sorpresa para mí.
The mental-health patient claims that spies and aliens are onto him.El paciente de salud mental dice que hay espías y extraterrestres que andan tras él.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
My boss has been onto me all month to have the project finished.Mi jefe estuvo encima de mí todo el mes para que terminara el proyecto.
Our son arrived safe and sound. I've just been onto him on the phone.Nuestro hijo llegó sano y salvo. Acabo de comunicarme con él por teléfono.
into(
ihn
-
tu
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
4. (time)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Five minutes into Act II, he had a heart attack.A los cinco minutos de empezar el Acto II, sufrió un infarto.
The devaluation continued into the 1960s.La devaluación continuó hasta los años sesenta.
a. de
There is to be an inquiry into the election fraud.Van a hacer una investigación del fraude electoral.
7. (colloquial) (indicating an interest in)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
He used to be into drugs.Antes tomaba drogas.
I'm really into knitting.Me gusta mucho tejer.
