dentro de
/ˈdentɾo de/
The English phrase "inside of" is translated into Spanish as dentro de.
dentro de is a universal way to convey the meaning of being within the interior of a space or object. This applies to both physical and metaphorical spaces.
Which one should you use?
While dentro de specifies being inside a space, the preposition en is more general and simply means "in" or "at".
Is it said differently in some regions?
The variation adentro de is an informal form common in some Latin American countries, such as Mexico and Argentina.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use the word to function as an adverb without a following object, you should use dentro instead of the full phrase dentro de.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdentɾo de/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying dentro de el when followed by a masculine singular noun. Instead, use the contracted form dentro del.
Did you know?
- While dentro de usually describes a physical location, it is the primary way to say 'within' when referring to a future time limit, such as 'within an hour'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, keeping a hand dentro de a pocket while talking can be perceived as a sign of insecurity or a hint that the person is hiding something.
- The Spanish word dentro evolved from the Late Latin phrase dē intrō, which literally meant 'from within'.
Examples in context
- Colocé mi bebé dentro de la microonda y luego cerré la puerta.I placed my baby inside of the microwave and then I closed the door.This sentence uses dentro de to describe placing an object inside a physical container.Tatoeba #9057580 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9057585 by rafaeldejesus8199
- Me sentí como si se hubieran levantado siete soles dentro de mí.I felt like seven suns have risen inside of me.This sentence uses dentro de to describe a feeling inside a person's body.Tatoeba #1410231 by marcelostockle, translation #1087146 by yujin
- Fuera de un perro, un libro es el mejor amigo del hombre. Dentro de un perro está demasiado oscuro para leer.Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read.This sentence uses dentro de to describe the interior of a physical space.Tatoeba #878963 by Shishir, translation #502597 by sacredceltic
- El libro está dentro de la mochila.The book is inside of the backpack.
- El tesoro está en el interior del cofre.The treasure is inside the chest.
- Los juguetes están dentro del cajón.The toys are inside the drawer.
- El perro está adentro de la casa.The dog is inside of the house.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are looking for a lost ring in their living room.
- Elena¿Viste mi anillo, Daniel?Did you see my ring, Daniel?
- DanielBusca dentro de la caja de madera.Look inside of the wooden box.
- Elena¡Sí! Está dentro de la caja.Yes! It is inside of the box.
- DanielQué bueno que lo encontraste.I'm glad you found it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dentro de, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, dentro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
