about

about(
uh
-
baut
)
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
preposition
a. sobre
The movie we saw last night was about World War I.La película que vimos anoche era sobre la Primera Guerra Mundial.
b. acerca de
That new series about petroleum is fascinating.Esa nueva serie acerca del petróleo es fascinante.
c. de
I'm reading a book about history.Estoy leyendo un libro de historia.
d. por
My husband hasn't been feeling well lately. I'm worried about him.Mi esposo no se encuentra bien últimamente. Estoy preocupada por él.
e. a propósito de
Me gustaría hablar contigo a propósito del nuevo proyecto.I'd like to have a chat with you about the new project.
a. en
There is something about his expression that intrigued me.Hay algo en su expresión que me intrigaba.
3.
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
(literary)
(around)
a. alrededor de
The girl put her arm about her teddy bear.La niña puso el brazo alrededor de su oso de peluche.
a.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
Since you're about it, will you make me some tea?Ya que estás en ello, ¿me preparas una taza de té?
While I'm about it, I'll ask our neighbor to watch the cat while we're away.De paso, le pediré a la vecina que nos cuide el gato mientras estamos fuera.
5. (in a place)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
(United Kingdom)
a. en
Lady Mary is walking about the park.Lady Mary está caminando en el parque.
b. por
We were strolling about the old quarter for a while and then went back to the hotel.Estuvimos paseando un rato por el casco antiguo y luego volvimos al hotel.
6. (on one's person)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
(United Kingdom)
a. con
I don't have the papers about me.No tengo los documentos conmigo.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. aproximadamente
There are about 40 guests in the hotel.Hay aproximadamente 40 huéspedes en el hotel.
b. alrededor de
The trout Alexander caught weighed about 55 pounds.La trucha que pescó Alexander pesaba alrededor de 55 libras.
c. más o menos
It was about 10 am when the doctor called.Eran más o menos las 10 am cuando llamó el doctor.
d. unos (with masculine nouns)
There must have been about 50 guests at the reception.Habría unos 50 invitados en la recepción.
e. unas (with feminine nouns)
My neighbor has about 10 or 12 candles in the window which she lights in the evenings.Mi vecina tendrá unas 10 o 12 velas en la ventana que enciende por las noches.
a. a punto de
The train is about to leave the station.El tren está a punto de salir de la estación.
a. por todas partes
There was candy all about after the Halloween party.Había dulces por todas partes después de la fiesta de Halloween.
b. de un lado a otro
The cat was running about like a madman all over the house.El gato corría de un lado a otro como un loco por toda la casa.
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