a lo largo de
/a lo ˈlaɾɡo de/
The Spanish phrase for "along" is a lo largo de.
a lo largo de is used to describe movement or position along a line (like a road or river), it is not used to mean 'together' or 'in company' in the sense of 'along with someone'.
Meaning: in company, together (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "at the length of".
How does it change in a sentence?
When a lo largo de is followed by a masculine singular article el, they contract into del. When a lo largo de is followed by a feminine singular article la, no contraction occurs.
How do you pronounce it?
/a lo ˈlaɾɡo de/
Did you know?
- Spanish uses a lo largo de for both physical distance and time. You can use the phrase to describe events happening 'along' or 'throughout' the course of a year.
- In music, if a conductor tells you to play largo, they are not asking you to play 'large' or loud. They are instructing you to play in a very 'slow' tempo.
- In Spanish, largo replaced the older word luengo for describing length. luengo was derived from the same Latin root as the English word 'long'.
Examples in context
- Caminé a lo largo del río.I walked along the river.This sentence shows how to use a lo largo de to describe walking alongside a river.Tatoeba #7294085 by emigonza, translation #259103 by CK
- Conducimos a lo largo de la costa.We drove along the coast.This sentence shows how to use a lo largo de to describe driving along a coast.Tatoeba #1386284 by marcelostockle, translation #680530 by Source_VOA
- Tom caminó a lo largo de la acera.Tom walked along the sidewalk.This sentence shows how to use a lo largo de to describe walking along a sidewalk.Tatoeba #6006784 by albrusgher, translation #2542192 by CK
- El presidente caminó junto a su esposa hasta el podio.The president walked along with his wife to the podium.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are planning a walk in a park.
- DanielPodemos caminar a lo largo del sendero.We can walk along the path.
- MaríaMe parece una idea excelente, Daniel.That sounds like an excellent idea, Daniel.
- Daniel¿Quieres ir a lo largo del lago también?Do you want to go along the lake too?
- MaríaSí, María quiere ver los patos.Yes, María wants to see the ducks.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry a lo largo de, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
