encima de
Lemma Details
Translation: on top of; above; over; in addition to
Part of Speech: preposition
Etymology: The preposition 'encima de' comes from the combination of 'en' (in, on) + 'cima' (top, summit) + 'de' (of). The word 'cima' derives from Latin 'cyma' meaning 'sprout' or 'highest part', which itself comes from Greek 'kyma' meaning 'wave' or 'swell'. The construction literally means 'on the top of' and has evolved to indicate both physical position and figurative addition.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El libro está encima de la mesa.
The book is on top of the table.
Vive en el piso de encima de nosotros.
He lives in the apartment above us.
Encima de todo, llegó tarde a la reunión.
On top of everything, he arrived late to the meeting.
Puso una manta encima de la cama.
She put a blanket on top of the bed.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'en' (on) + 'cima' (peak/summit) = 'on the peak/top of'
- Imagine climbing to the 'cima' (summit) and standing 'en' (on) it
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
Used frequently in both literal spatial contexts and figurative expressions. In Spanish culture, the concept of things being 'encima de' can relate to physical placement but also to burdens or responsibilities.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'sobre' can also mean 'on top of', it has a broader range of meanings including 'about' and 'concerning'. 'Encima de' is more specifically about physical position above something or adding to something.
Confused word:
Hablamos sobre política.
We talked about politics.
Notes: 'Encima de' tends to emphasize direct contact with the top surface, while 'sobre' can indicate position above without contact.
Mnemonic: 'Encima de' emphasizes the top surface (cima = summit), while 'sobre' can float above or be about a topic.
Explanation: Both can mean 'in addition to', but 'encima de' carries a connotation of burden or excess in this usage, while 'además de' is more neutral.
This word:
Encima de llegar tarde, no trajo el informe.
On top of arriving late, he didn't bring the report.
Confused word:
Además de inglés, habla francés y alemán.
In addition to English, he speaks French and German.
Notes: 'Encima de' in the figurative sense often has a negative connotation of adding to problems or burdens.
Mnemonic: Think of 'encima de' as piling one problem on top of another, while 'además de' is simply adding items to a list.