Learning prepositions is a crucial part of mastering any language, and Spanish is no exception. Prepositions of time help us indicate when something happens, providing context and clarity to our sentences. In Spanish, three commonly used prepositions of time are en, durante, and desde. While these prepositions might seem straightforward at first glance, their usage can be nuanced and context-dependent. This article delves into the intricacies of these prepositions, offering detailed explanations and examples to help you use them correctly.
En
The preposition en is versatile and widely used in Spanish. When it comes to time, en is often used to denote a specific point in time, such as months, seasons, years, and specific dates.
Months and Seasons
In Spanish, the preposition en is used to specify months and seasons. For example:
– “Voy a España en julio.” (I am going to Spain in July.)
– “Las flores florecen en primavera.” (Flowers bloom in spring.)
Using en with months and seasons is similar to the English usage of “in.”
Years
When referring to specific years, en is also used:
– “Nací en 1990.” (I was born in 1990.)
Just like in English, where we say “in 1990,” Spanish uses en for years.
Specific Dates
For specific dates, en can be used, but it is more common to see the preposition el (the) followed by the date:
– “La reunión es el 5 de mayo.” (The meeting is on May 5th.)
However, en might still appear in certain contexts:
– “Nos vemos en el día de tu cumpleaños.” (We’ll see each other on your birthday.)
Durante
The preposition durante is used to indicate a duration of time, much like the English word “during.” It specifies a time period in which an action occurs or a state exists.
Actions Over a Period
When an action takes place over a period, durante is the appropriate preposition:
– “Estudié durante tres horas.” (I studied for three hours.)
– “Llovió durante toda la noche.” (It rained throughout the night.)
Events and Situations
Durante can also refer to events or situations that unfold over a span of time:
– “Durante la guerra, mucha gente sufrió.” (During the war, many people suffered.)
– “No comí nada durante el viaje.” (I didn’t eat anything during the trip.)
Time Frames
Durante is often used to describe specific time frames within which something happens:
– “Puedes llamarme durante el día.” (You can call me during the day.)
– “Trabajé durante las vacaciones.” (I worked during the holidays.)
Desde
The preposition desde is used to indicate the starting point of an action or state, similar to the English preposition “since.” It often pairs with hasta (until) to describe a time span.
Starting Points
When you want to express the starting point of an action or event, desde is the go-to preposition:
– “Estoy aquí desde las ocho de la mañana.” (I’ve been here since eight in the morning.)
– “Vivo en esta ciudad desde 2015.” (I’ve lived in this city since 2015.)
Duration with Desde…Hasta
Desde often works in tandem with hasta to indicate the duration of an action or event:
– “Estaré de vacaciones desde el lunes hasta el viernes.” (I will be on vacation from Monday until Friday.)
– “El evento será desde las 10 de la mañana hasta las 2 de la tarde.” (The event will be from 10 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon.)
Comparisons with English Prepositions
While desde is often directly translated as “since” or “from,” its usage in Spanish may differ slightly from English, making it essential to understand its context-specific applications.
– “No he visto a Juan desde la fiesta.” (I haven’t seen Juan since the party.)
– “El banco está abierto desde las 9 de la mañana.” (The bank is open from 9 in the morning.)
Common Mistakes and Tips
Learning prepositions can be tricky, and even advanced students make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and tips to help you avoid them:
Confusing En with A
One common mistake is confusing en with a. Remember, en is used for months, seasons, and years, while a is used for specific times of the day:
– Incorrect: “Voy a la tienda en las tres de la tarde.” (I am going to the store in 3 PM.)
– Correct: “Voy a la tienda a las tres de la tarde.” (I am going to the store at 3 PM.)
Using Durante Incorrectly
Durante should not be used when referring to the start of an action. For instance:
– Incorrect: “Estoy aquí durante las ocho de la mañana.” (I am here during eight in the morning.)
– Correct: “Estoy aquí desde las ocho de la mañana.” (I’ve been here since eight in the morning.)
Mixing Desde and De
While desde indicates a starting point in time, de is not used in the same way:
– Incorrect: “No he visto a Juan de la fiesta.” (I haven’t seen Juan of the party.)
– Correct: “No he visto a Juan desde la fiesta.” (I haven’t seen Juan since the party.)
Practice Exercises
To master the use of en, durante, and desde, practice is key. Here are some exercises to test your understanding:
Fill in the Blanks
1. Nos conocimos ___ 2010.
2. Estudié español ___ tres años.
3. La tienda está abierta ___ las nueve de la mañana ___ las cinco de la tarde.
4. No he visto a María ___ la boda.
5. Me gusta nadar ___ verano.
Answers
1. Nos conocimos en 2010.
2. Estudié español durante tres años.
3. La tienda está abierta desde las nueve de la mañana hasta las cinco de la tarde.
4. No he visto a María desde la boda.
5. Me gusta nadar en verano.
Conclusion
Understanding and correctly using the prepositions en, durante, and desde is essential for conveying time-related information accurately in Spanish. These prepositions, while seemingly simple, carry specific nuances that require attention and practice. By familiarizing yourself with their correct usage and practicing regularly, you’ll find yourself becoming more confident and precise in your Spanish communication.
Remember, language learning is a journey. Keep practicing, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to revisit these concepts whenever needed. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
