Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| al lado de | /al ˈlado de/ |
| yunto/juntamente/junto a | |
| cabe | /ˈkabe/ |
| al costado de | /al kostado de/ (from spelling rules) |
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase al lado de literally translates to 'at the side of'.
Which one should you use?
The form al lado de is a general way to say something is beside another thing. In contrast, junto a often implies a closer physical proximity, suggesting something is 'right next to' or 'close to' an object. The expression al costado de is frequently used specifically when referring to the side or flank of a person's body, a building or a vehicle.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word cabe is an archaic or poetic preposition. It is no longer used in standard modern conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Mexico, the expression a un lado de is used instead of al lado de.
How do you pronounce it?
/al ˈlado de/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When using al lado to mean 'next to' a noun, do not forget to include the word de. You must say al lado de [noun].
Did you know?
- The poetic word cabe derives from the Latin caput, meaning 'head'.
Examples in context
- Me senté al lado de John.I sat next to John.This sentence is useful for showing how to use al lado de with a person's name.Tatoeba #1367494 by hayastan, translation #253934 by CN
- Él vivía al lado de su tío.He lived next to his uncle.This sentence is useful for showing how to use al lado de with a relative.Tatoeba #1649534 by marcelostockle, translation #289411 by CK
- ¿Está al lado de la puerta?Is it next to the door?This sentence is useful for showing how to use al lado de with a location like a door.Tatoeba #6626909 by Schuager, translation #6626908 by Schuager
- Mi oficina está junto a la sala de conferenciasMy office is next to the conference room
- El restaurante se encuentra al lado del hotelThe restaurant is next to the hotel
- Mi casa está al lado de la tuyaMy house is next to yours
- Vivo junto a la panadería de JuanI live next to Juan's bakery
- La tienda está pegada al parqueThe store is next to the park
- La escuela está al lado del mercadoThe school is next to the market
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are looking for a seat in a cafe.
- Mateo¿Hay algún asiento al lado de la ventana?Is there a seat next to the window?
- SofíaNo, pero hay una silla al lado de la mesa.No, but there is a chair next to the table.
- MateoPerfecto, me sentaré al lado de esa mesa.Perfect, I will sit next to that table.
- SofíaMuy bien, Mateo, yo me siento contigo.Very well, Mateo, I will sit with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “next to” translations and entries al lado de, cabe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, cabe, costado, de, lado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
