Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| a eso de | /a ˈeso de/ |
| alrededor de | /alredeˈdoɾ de/ |
The way you say 'around' depends on whether you are describing physical movement, an approximate amount or a time. For physical movement around an object, use alrededor de. To express an approximate quantity or amount, you can also use alrededor de. When referring specifically to an approximate time, use a eso de. If you want to point out a general vicinity or whereabouts in an informal way, you can use por ahí, por acá or por allí.
Which one should you use?
Use a eso de specifically when referring to an approximate time, such as 'around 5:00'. In contrast, use alrededor de when referring to physical movement around an object or an approximate quantity or amount.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase alrededor de must be followed by a noun or a number to indicate the object being circled or the amount being approximated.
How do you pronounce it?
/a ˈeso de/
Did you know?
- To say 'walk around' in the sense of wandering without a destination, Spanish uses the verb dar una vuelta rather than the preposition alrededor de.
- The de in alrededor de originates from the Latin preposition dē, which originally meant 'away from' or 'down from'.
- When approximating quantities, Spanish speakers frequently use más o menos, meaning 'more or less', instead of the more literal alrededor de.
Examples in context
- Corrí alrededor del campo.I ran around the field.This sentence is useful for showing physical movement around a location with alrededor de.Tatoeba #4442927 by pchamorro, translation #2610033 by WestofEden
- Él viajó alrededor del mundo.He traveled around the world.This sentence shows how to use alrededor de to describe traveling around the world.Tatoeba #1253287 by marcelostockle, translation #300270 by CK
- Él pesa alrededor de 300 libras.He weighs around 300 pounds.This sentence demonstrates using alrededor de to indicate an approximate weight.Tatoeba #4395159 by ponisio7, translation #4398807 by XenoKat
- Vivo alrededor de Madrid.I live around Madrid.
- Tengo alrededor de cincuenta años.I am around fifty years old.
- Llegaré allí alrededor de las dos.I will arrive there around two o'clock.
- La conferencia se llevará a cabo en torno a la temática del cambio climático.The conference will revolve around the theme of climate change.
- Es importante tomar decisiones en torno a la protección del medio ambiente.It is important to make decisions around environmental protection.
- Está por ahíHe/she is around
- Tengo más o menos treinta dólaresI have around thirty dollars
- Los turistas se congregaron en derredor de la estatua.The tourists gathered around the statue.
- 134 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are talking on the phone about meeting up.
- Daniel¿A qué hora llegas?What time do you arrive?
- ElenaEstaré allí a eso de las ocho.I will be there around eight.
- DanielPerfecto, te espero entonces.Perfect, I will wait for you then.
- ElenaNos vemos pronto, Daniel.See you soon, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “around” translations and entries a eso de, alrededor de, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, alrededor, de, eso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
