por encima de
Lemma Details
Translation: above; over; on top of; beyond
Part of Speech: preposition
Etymology: This prepositional phrase is composed of three elements: 'por' (from Latin 'pro', meaning 'for'), 'encima' (from Latin 'in' + 'cyma', meaning 'on top'), and 'de' (from Latin 'de', meaning 'of/from'). The word 'encima' itself combines 'en' (in) with 'cima' (summit/top), which comes from Late Latin 'cyma', ultimately from Greek 'kyma' meaning 'wave' or 'something swollen'. The construction literally means 'by way of on top of'.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'encima' as 'on top' (en + cima = on + top) and remember that 'por encima de' means going over or above something.
- Visualize climbing to the 'cima' (summit) to be 'por encima de' (above) everything else.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This preposition is used both literally for physical positioning and figuratively for abstract concepts like priority or superiority. It's a common expression in everyday Spanish.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Por encima de' often implies movement or extension over something, while 'encima de' simply indicates position on top of something without the additional nuance.
Notes: 'Por encima de' can be used both literally and figuratively, while 'encima de' is more commonly used for physical positioning.
Mnemonic: Add 'por' when there's movement or extension across a surface or boundary.
Explanation: 'Por encima de' is more specific about being on the upper surface or above something, while 'sobre' can mean 'about' or 'concerning' in addition to 'on' or 'above'.
Notes: 'Sobre' is shorter and more common in everyday speech for simple positional relationships.
Mnemonic: Think of 'sobre' as more versatile (on/about), while 'por encima de' specifically refers to physical or metaphorical height.