en mi
/en mi/from spelling rules
The English phrase "on my" is translated into Spanish as en mi.
This phrase is used to indicate that something is located on or attached to a part of the speaker's body.
Which one should you use?
While en can mean "on", it is also the standard preposition for "in" and "at", so context determines whether it means "on my" or "in my".
How do you pronounce it?
/en mi/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, you often avoid using en mi for body parts entirely. Instead of saying 'on my head', speakers typically use the definite article, 'en la cabeza', because the possessive is implied by the verb.
- The word mi is actually a shortened version of the Latin word 'meus'. In ancient spoken Latin, the 'e' was dropped when it appeared before a word starting with a vowel to make the speech flow more smoothly.
- If you want to say something is 'on my skin', you might use en mi or sobre mi. While en is most common, sobre adds a specific sense of being physically positioned on top of a surface.
Examples in context
- Estás en mi terreno.You're on my land.This sentence is useful for showing how to express that someone is on your land using en mi.Tatoeba #9594089 by dpcossio, translation #2548883 by CK
- Se durmió en mi hombro.He fell asleep on my shoulder.This sentence is useful for showing how to express that someone fell asleep on your shoulder using en mi.Tatoeba #9710513 by JSKabylie, translation #2520317 by Hybrid
- Ponelo en mi escritorio.Put it on my desk.This sentence is useful for showing how to give an instruction to put something on your desk using en mi.Tatoeba #2970023 by hayastan, translation #2648465 by CK
- en mi escritorioOn my desk
- en mi computadoraOn my computer
- en mi sillaOn my chair
- El libro está encima de míThe book is on top of me
- Tengo una manta encima de míI have a blanket on me
- 82 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are looking at a photo on a phone.
- AlejandroMira esta mancha en mi camisa.Look at this stain on my shirt.
- MaríaNo te preocupes, Alejandro.Don't worry, Alejandro.
- AlejandroPero está justo en mi pecho.But it is right on my chest.
- MaríaYo puedo ayudarte a limpiarlo.I can help you clean it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, mi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
