Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| encima de | /enˈθima de/ /enˈsima de/ |
| a más de | /a mas de/ (from spelling rules) |
The phrase 'on top of' has two distinct meanings in English that require different Spanish translations. Use encima de when describing the physical location of one object being above or touching another. Use a más de when the phrase is used figuratively to mean 'in addition to' or 'besides'.
Which one should you use?
Use encima de to refer to a physical location, such as an object sitting on a surface. Use a más de to express that something is happening in addition to something else.
How does it change in a sentence?
When encima de is followed by the masculine singular article el, the two words must contract into encima del. However, the phrase does not contract when followed by the plural article los, appearing instead as encima de los.
How do you pronounce it?
/enˈθima de/
Did you know?
- While encima de means 'on top of', saying ¡encima! as a standalone exclamation can express indignation, similar to saying 'and on top of everything else!' in English.
- The word cima in encima shares a distant ancestor with the Greek word for 'wave', κῦμα.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, using encima to describe an additive situation can sound more aggressive or confrontational than the English phrase 'on top of'.
Examples in context
- El gato salta encima de la mesa.The cat jumps on top of the table.This sentence demonstrates the use of encima de for a physical position.Tatoeba #1502175 by marcelostockle, translation #1224116 by Ketutar
- No pongas nada encima de la caja.Don't put anything on top of the box.This sentence shows how to use encima de when instructing someone not to place an object on a surface.Tatoeba #630809 by Leono, translation #44472 by CK
- Te los pusimos encima del armario.We put them on top of the wardrobe.This sentence illustrates the contraction of encima de and el into encima del.Tatoeba #11149343 by JSKabylie, translation #11149344 by DJ_Saidez
- Coloca el vaso encima de la mesa.Place the glass on top of the table.
- El libro está encima del armario.The book is on top of the wardrobe.
- El gato está durmiendo sobre el cojín.The cat is sleeping on top of the cushion.
- Dejé mi teléfono encima de la mesa.I left my phone on top of the table.
- El perro se subió encima del sofá.The dog jumped on top of the couch.
- Deja las llaves arriba de la mesa.Leave the keys on top of the table.
- La taza está arriba del mueble.The cup is on top of the piece of furniture.
- El plato está encima del mantel.The plate is on top of the tablecloth.
- Ponte el abrigo encima del vestido.Put the coat on top of the dress.
- El niño está parado sobre el muebleThe child is standing on top of the furniture.
- A más de ser inteligente, es muy trabajador.On top of being intelligent, he is very hardworking.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing their busy work schedules.
- LucíaTengo mucho trabajo hoy.I have a lot of work today.
- MateoYo también, y encima de eso, tengo que viajar.Me too, and on top of that, I have to travel.
- LucíaQué mala suerte tienes, Mateo.You are so unlucky, Mateo.
- MateoSí, es un día muy difícil.Yes, it is a very difficult day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “on top of” translations and entries encima de, 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, de, encima, más, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
