encima
Lemma Details
Translation: on top; above; besides; moreover; additionally
Part of Speech: adverb
Etymology: Derived from the Latin phrase 'in cyma' meaning 'at the summit' or 'at the top'. 'Cyma' comes from Greek 'kyma' meaning 'wave' or 'swell', which came to refer to the top of something. The 'en-' prefix (from Latin 'in') combined with 'cima' (summit/top) creates the concept of being positioned above something else. English words like 'summit' and 'culminate' share distant relations to the Latin root.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'en cima' as 'on the summit' to remember it means 'on top'
- Imagine climbing to the 'cima' (summit) and standing 'en' (on) it = 'encima' (on top)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Used frequently in everyday Spanish conversation, both in its literal spatial sense and in its figurative sense of adding something more to a situation. The expression 'y encima' is commonly used to express indignation when something bad happens in addition to something else already negative.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'encima' is an adverb meaning 'on top' or 'above', 'encimera' is a noun referring to a countertop or worktop in a kitchen.
Notes: 'Encima' is an adverb of place or addition, while 'encimera' is a physical object derived from the concept of being 'on top'.
Mnemonic: 'Encima' ends with 'a' for 'above', while 'encimera' ends with 'era' for the 'area' on top (countertop).
Explanation: Both can mean 'moreover' or 'additionally', but 'encima' often carries a negative connotation or implies something unexpected, while 'además' is more neutral.
This word:
Llegó tarde y encima no se disculpó.
He arrived late and, on top of that, didn't apologize.
Confused word:
Me gusta este coche y además es económico.
I like this car and, additionally, it's economical.
Notes: When expressing indignation about additional negative circumstances, 'encima' is more common than 'además'.
Mnemonic: Think of 'encima' as adding something unwanted 'on top' of a situation, while 'además' simply adds more information.