How to Say At in Spanish | En, A, and De Explained
Updated for 2026, "at" in Spanish can be expressed using several different words depending on the context: "en", "a", and "de".
In English, "at" is a preposition that indicates location or time. In Spanish, there are multiple ways to convey this meaning based on specific contexts.
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Meaning of "At" in Spanish: En, A, and De
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Browse all 4 volumes →The word "en" (IPA: /en/) is commonly used to express location in Spanish, often translated as "in" or "at". For example:
- Estoy en el aeropuerto.
(I am at the airport.)
Usage of 'a' with Specific Locations
The word "a" (IPA: /a/) is used to express location or time. When indicating a destination, it translates as "to". For example:
- Voy a la tienda.
(I am going to the store.)
When used for time, "a" means "at". For example:
- Llegaré a las dos de la tarde.
(I will arrive at two in the afternoon.)
Comparison Chart for 'en', 'a', and 'de'
| Preposition | Context | English Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| "en" | Location in general, time of day | "in", "at" |
| "a" | Destination, specific times | "to", "at" |
| "de" | Origin or possession, location (rare) | "from", "of", "at" |
Common Mistakes When Using 'en', 'a', and 'de'
A common mistake is using "a" when referring to a specific place, such as:
- Mis amigos van a la casa.
(My friends are going at the house.)
Usage of 'en' with Specific Locations
The preposition "en" is commonly used to indicate location, especially in specific places like cities or countries:
- Estoy en Madrid.
(I am at/in Madrid.)
Common Phrases Using "a", "de", and "en"
Here are some common phrases using these prepositions:
- A la hora de comer, voy a casa.
(At lunchtime, I go home.)
- El libro está en el estante de arriba.
(The book is on the top shelf.)
Pronunciation Guide for Each Preposition
- "en" (IPA: /en/): Pronounced like "en" in English.
- "a" (IPA: /a/): Pronounced with a short, open vowel sound similar to the "u" in "but".
- "de" (IPA: /de/): Pronounced as two separate syllables, like "deh".
Regional Differences in Usage of 'a', 'de', and 'en'
There are slight variations in the use of these prepositions across different Spanish-speaking regions. For instance:
- In Spain:
"En la universidad" (At the university)
- In Latin America:
"A la universidad" (To the university)
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