How To Say "Around" In Spanish

Are you looking to expand your Spanish vocabulary? In this article, we will explore how to say "around" in Spanish, covering its meaning, translation, and regional variations. Whether you are traveling to a Spanish-speaking country or simply curious about the language, understanding how to express the concept of "around" will greatly enhance your communication skills.

What is "Around" in Spanish?

The word "around" can have multiple meanings and uses in English. It can indicate proximity, approximate location, movement in a circular manner, or even a general sense of vagueness. In Spanish, the most common translations for "around" are alrededor (IPA: /al.re.ðeɾ/),  alrededor de (IPA: /al.re.ðeɾ ˈde/) and cerca de (IPA: /ˈθer.ka ðe/). However, it is important to note that the exact translation of "around" can vary depending on the context and the Spanish-speaking region you are in.

Meaning of "Around" in Spanish

In Spanish, "around" can be translated in a few different ways:

Alrededor de: This is the most common translation for "around" in the sense of indicating proximity or approximate location. It can be used when referring to a physical place or a specific time. For example:

• ¿Dónde está el parque? —Está alrededor del centro de la ciudad. (Where is the park? —It's around the city center.)
• Llegaremos alrededor de las 8 de la noche. (We'll arrive around 8 p.m.)

Alrededor: This is a shorter form of "alrededor de" and can be used in the same context. It's worth mentioning that "alrededor" is more commonly used in Latin America than in Spain.

Cerca de: This translation of "around" emphasizes proximity and is often used when referring to physical distance. For example:

• La tienda está cerca de aquí. (The store is around here.)

Take a look at our series of books to quickly learn useful Spanish vocabulary. Stop learning hard, and start learning smart!

How to Say "Around" in Spanish: Sample Sentences

Here are five sample sentences you can use to say "around" in Spanish:

• Estoy caminando alrededor del parque.

(I am walking around the park.)

• El perro corre alrededor de la casa.

(The dog is running around the house.)

• Vamos a dar un paseo alrededor del lago.

(We're going for a walk around the lake.)

• Los niños juegan alrededor del árbol.

(The children are playing around the tree.)

• Hay muchos restaurantes alrededor de esta zona.

(There are many restaurants around this area.)

 Take a look at our series of books to quickly learn useful Spanish vocabulary. Stop learning hard, and start learning smart!

Conclusion

Knowing how to say "around" in Spanish is an essential skill for effective communication. Whether you are traveling, conversing with native speakers, or studying the language, being familiar with the translations, pronunciations, and regional variations of "around" will greatly enhance your language skills. Remember to adapt your vocabulary to the specific region you are in or interacting with, as this shows cultural sensitivity and respect for local linguistic preferences. So, practice using "alrededor de" or "alrededor" and enjoy exploring the rich linguistic diversity of the Spanish language!