sobre
Lemma Details
Translation: on; about; over; above; concerning; regarding
Part of Speech: preposition
Etymology: From Latin 'super' meaning 'above, over'. This Latin term evolved into Old Spanish 'sobre'. It shares roots with English words like 'sovereign', 'superior', and 'supreme', all conveying the sense of being above or over something. The English preposition 'over' also derives from the same Indo-European root.
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El libro está sobre la mesa.
The book is on the table.
Hablamos sobre política.
We talk about politics.
El avión vuela sobre las nubes.
The plane flies above the clouds.
Llegó sobre las cinco.
He arrived around five.
Necesito más información sobre este tema.
I need more information regarding this topic.
Mnemonics
- Think of something being 'over' (sobre) a table.
- Remember 'sovereign' in English - someone who rules 'over' others - to connect to 'sobre'.
- For the meaning 'about/concerning', imagine placing topics 'over' a table for discussion.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
As in English, 'sobre' is a versatile preposition in Spanish with many uses. It's essential for expressing location, topics of discussion, and approximate quantities. The noun form 'sobre' (envelope) is also commonly used in everyday contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Sobre' means 'on/over/above' while 'bajo' means 'under/below'. They are directional opposites.
Confused word:
El perro está bajo la mesa.
The dog is under the table.
Notes: These prepositions are often used together to describe relative positions.
Mnemonic: Think: 'sobre' = 'over', 'bajo' = 'below'.
Explanation: While both can translate to 'on' in some contexts, 'sobre' specifically indicates 'on top of' or 'above', while 'en' is more general for location.
Confused word:
Estoy en Madrid.
I am in Madrid.
Notes: When referring to physical location on a surface, 'sobre' is often more precise than 'en'.
Mnemonic: 'Sobre' is more specific about being on the surface of something.
Explanation: As a noun, 'sobre' means 'envelope', completely different from the preposition meaning 'on/about'.
Confused word:
Puse la carta en un sobre.
I put the letter in an envelope.
Notes: Context usually makes it clear whether 'sobre' is being used as a preposition or noun.
Mnemonic: For the noun, think of putting something 'over' a letter (covering it) to make an envelope.