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"Sobre" is a form of "sobre", a preposition which is often translated as "on". "Preguntar por" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to ask about". Learn more about the difference between "sobre" and "preguntar por" below.
sobre(
soh
-
breh
)
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
preposition
a. on
¡No pongas los pies sobre la mesa!Don't put your feet on the table!
a. about
La conferencia es sobre la tecnología.The conference is about technology.
a. over
El pájaro se alzó y voló sobre nuestras cabezas.The bird rose and flew over our heads.
a. about
Siguiendo la receta, debería tardar en cocinarse sobre ocho minutos.Following the recipe, it should take about eight minutes to cook.
b. around
Mi clase tiene sobre 15 o 20 alumnos.My class has around 15 or 20 students.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. envelope
Abrió rápidamente el sobre y sacó la carta de su interior.He tore open the envelope and pulled out the letter inside.
6.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(bed)
Regionalism used in Argentina
(Argentina)
Regionalism used in Spain
(Spain)
a. sack
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
En cuanto llegué, me metí en el sobre.As soon as I arrived, I hit the sack.
7. (handbag)
Regionalism used in Cuba
(Cuba)
(River Plate)
a. clutch bag
Necesito un sobre que combine con mis zapatos plateados.I need a clutch bag to match my silver shoes.
b. clutch
Mariela suele llevar un sobre cuando asiste a una boda.Mariela usually carries a clutch when she attends a wedding.
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preguntar por(
preh
-
goon
-
tahr
 
pohr
)
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
transitive verb phrase
a. to ask about
Le pregunté por su nuevo trabajo, y me dijo que le gusta mucho.I asked him about his new job, and he said he likes it a lot.
b. to ask after
Si ves a Ana, no te olvides de preguntarle por su padre. Ha estado un poco pachucho últimamenteIf you see Ana, don't forget to ask after her father. He's been a bit poorly lately.
c. to inquire about
Una pareja vino a preguntar por el apartamento que está en alquiler.A couple came to inquire about the apartment that is for rent.
d. to enquire about
Mucha gente ha llamado para preguntar por el anuncio de la vacante.A lot of people have called to enquire about the ad for the vacancy.
a. to ask for
Hay una señora al teléfono que pregunta por usted.There's a lady on the phone who's asking for you.
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