de la
Lemma Details
Translation: of the; from the
Part of Speech: preposition
Etymology: A combination of the preposition 'de' (from Latin 'de' meaning 'from, away from, down from') and the feminine definite article 'la' (from Latin 'illa' meaning 'that'). This construction is used before feminine singular nouns.
Commonality: 100%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'de la' as 'of the' where 'la' signals a feminine noun will follow.
Cultural Context
This is one of the most fundamental grammatical constructions in Spanish, used constantly in everyday speech and writing. Unlike English, Spanish requires the article in many contexts where English would omit it.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'De la' is used before feminine singular nouns, while 'del' is a contraction of 'de' + 'el' used before masculine singular nouns.
Confused word:
El libro del profesor.
The teacher's book. (male teacher)
Notes: Spanish contracts 'de' + 'el' to 'del', but does not contract 'de' + 'la'.
Mnemonic: 'De la' for feminine, 'del' for masculine.
Explanation: While 'de la' indicates possession or origin, 'a la' indicates direction, destination, or manner.
This word:
Vengo de la tienda.
I come from the store.
Confused word:
Voy a la tienda.
I go to the store.
Notes: Both constructions are followed by feminine singular nouns.
Mnemonic: 'De la' = from the, 'a la' = to the.