Spanish place adverbs show where something happens.
Key Words
Here are the most common place adverbs in Spanish:
| Spanish Word |
|---|
| aquí |
| English Word(s) |
Basic Placement
Place adverbs of place usually go after the verb:
- Vivo aquí. (I live here.)
- El libro está debajo. (The book is underneath.)
- Caminamos lejos. (We walk far.)
Sentences
- Estoy aquí. — I am here.
- La tienda queda cerca. — The store is nearby.
- El gato se escondió dentro. — The cat hid inside.
Using “de” + Place
Some place expressions require the preposition de to show location clearly:
- encima de la mesa (on top of the table)
- debajo de la cama (under the bed)
- al lado de mi casa (beside my house)
- detrás de edificio (behind the building)
This structure is used when the place adverb describes the position relative to something else.
Word Order Tips
- You can also place place adverbs at the end of the sentence for emphasis:
- Voy a estudiar allí. (I’m going to study there.)
- In sentences with multiple adverbs (e.g., place and time), place time adverbs typically come after place adverbs:
- Llegué aquí ayer. (I arrived here yesterday.)
Summary
- Place adverbs show where something happens.
- They usually follow the verb.
- Use de with place expressions that show relative position.
- Word order can be adjusted for emphasis.
This will help you use place adverbs correctly in Spanish.
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Last updated: Thu Jul 17, 2025