What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of al (at the), lado (side), de (of) and mí (me).
Which one should you use?
While al lado de mí is used to describe physical proximity, the alternative junto a mí can sometimes carry a more poetic or emotional connotation of being 'by one's side' in a supportive sense.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Latin America, you may use a mi lado or a mi costado interchangeably to mean 'next to me'. In Spain, the phrase a mi vera is used to express the same idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
A very common way to express this is to use the possessive adjective mi with the noun lado, which results in a mi lado. Alternatively, you can use the more concise phrase junto a mí, which uses the prepositional phrase junto a followed by the stressed pronoun mí.
How do you pronounce it?
/al lado de mi/
Did you know?
- The English word 'lateral' and the Spanish word lado both trace their ancestry back to the Latin word 'latus', meaning 'side'.
- The phrase a mi costado is common in Latin America and emphasizes the physical flank or side of the body more than the general area.
- While al lado de mí is grammatically correct, native speakers almost always prefer the more natural sounding a mi lado in everyday conversation.
Examples in context
- Por favor, siéntese junto a mí.Please, sit next to me.
- Siéntate junto a mí en la conferencia.Sit next to me at the conference.
- Ven y siéntate a mi lado.Come and sit next to me.
- Siéntate a mi costado en la fiesta.Sit next to me at the party.
- Ven a mi costado durante el vuelo.Come to my side during the flight.
- Siéntate a mi vera, por favor.Sit next to me, please.
- Siéntate a mi vera para que podamos conversar.Sit next to me so we can chat.
- Siéntate al lado de mí.Sit next to me.
- Ella se puso al lado de mí en la fila.She stood next to me in the line.
- Deja el libro al lado de mí.Leave the book next to me.
Example conversation
Javier and María are sitting in a cafe.
- Javier¿Puedes mover esa silla al lado de mí?Can you move that chair next to me?
- MaríaClaro, Javier. ¿Quieres que me siente ahí?Sure, Javier. Do you want me to sit there?
- JavierSí, por favor. Así podemos hablar mejor.Yes, please. That way we can talk better.
- MaríaPerfecto, ya estoy al lado de mí… digo, al lado de ti.Perfect, I am already next to you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, lado, mí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
