en
/en/
The Spanish word for 'in' is en.
en is used to express being inside a physical space, such as a room or a container. It also covers the English meanings for both 'in' and 'on' when expressing location. Additionally, the phrase Estar de moda means 'to be in fashion' and Ponerse en contacto means 'to get in touch'.
Which one should you use?
In English, there is a distinction between 'in' (inside) and 'on' (on top of a surface), but Spanish often uses en for both of these contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
/en/
Did you know?
- The phrase en serio uses en to mean 'seriously' or 'in earnest', turning a preposition of place into an adverbial expression of sincerity.
- In Spanish, en is used to denote the language being spoken, as in está escrito en español, where it acts as a marker of the medium rather than a location.
- Spanish uses en to talk about transportation, such as en tren or en avión, whereas English uses 'by' for the method and 'in' or 'on' for the vehicle itself.
Examples in context
- Tengo fe en ti.I have faith in you.This sentence shows how to use en with the concept of faith.Tatoeba #1345062 by marcelostockle, translation #1345046 by CM
- Nadé en el río.I swam in the river.This sentence demonstrates en used to indicate being inside a location like a river.Tatoeba #3715918 by Seael, translation #2250450 by CK
- No creo en vos.I don't believe in you.This sentence shows en used to express belief in someone.Tatoeba #4507191 by emanuel81, translation #4507143 by TRli
- Vivo en Madrid.I live in Madrid.
- Trabajo en una empresa.I work in a company.
- Estudiamos en la universidad.We study in the university.
- Dentro de la caja, encontré un regalo.Inside the box, I found a gift.
- El tesoro está en el interior de la cueva.The treasure is inside the cave.
- En el interior de la empresa, hay grandes cambios.Inside the company, there are big changes.
- Estudié en la universidad.I studied at the university.
- Dentro de esta caja, encontré algo curioso.Inside this box, I found something curious.
- Vamos a salir dentro de un rato.We'll be out in a little while.
- Estoy en el medio de una película.I'm in the middle of a movie.
- En el medio de la fiesta, se fue sin despedirse.In the middle of the party, he left without saying goodbye.
- El libro está en la mesa.The book is on the table.
- La reunión será en la oficina.The meeting will be in the office.
- El agua está en la botella.The water is in the bottle.
- Las llaves están en el bolsillo.The keys are in the pocket.
- 15686 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are talking about where to meet.
- Alejandro¿Dónde está el libro?Where is the book?
- LucíaEstá en la mesa.It is on the table.
- Alejandro¿Está en el salón?Is it in the living room?
- LucíaSí, Alejandro, está en el salón.Yes, Alejandro, it is in the living room.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry en, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
