Ask a Question

(Create a thread)
Go Back   Spanish language learning forums > Spanish & English Languages > Grammar


When to use "a" or "en" for places

 

This is the place for questions about conjugations, verb tenses, adverbs, adjectives, word order, syntax and other grammar questions for English or Spanish.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old August 18, 2017, 06:17 AM
dupond dupond is offline
Ruby
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 98
dupond is on a distinguished road
When to use "a" or "en" for places

Hi there

Could someone please help me with the following sentence?

"Ir de vinos" quiere decir ir con algunos amigos a tomar algo a un bar o a un cafetería."

Would the meaning be the same if it read "en un bar" and "en un cafetería?"

If not, what's the difference? Does the use of "a" as the preposition have anything to do with "ir" being in the sentence?


Thanks
Reply With Quote
   
Get rid of these ads by registering for a free Tomísimo account.
  #2  
Old August 18, 2017, 06:40 AM
poli's Avatar
poli poli is offline
rule 1: gravity
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: In and around New York
Posts: 7,810
Native Language: English
poli will become famous soon enoughpoli will become famous soon enough
A good rule to know is that the verb ir is always followed by aexcluding adverbs as your example displays. You would always say ir a la cafetería.
__________________
Me ayuda si corrige mis errores. Gracias.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old August 18, 2017, 06:50 AM
AngelicaDeAlquezar's Avatar
AngelicaDeAlquezar AngelicaDeAlquezar is offline
Obsidiana
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 9,038
Native Language: Mexican Spanish
AngelicaDeAlquezar is on a distinguished road
"Ir a" is used for going to a place and "ir en" is used for going somewhere in a means of transport.
- Voy en bicicleta al trabajo.
- Vamos en auto a la playa.
- Fuimos en patines a la cafetería.
- Mis amigos van en avión a Francia.


"Ir de", although not used in all Spanish-speaking regions, is used for activities like wandering from one place to another.
I suppose here, "ir de vinos" means that you are going to visit places where a variety of wines are served, and you're tasting several of them. (I'm not sure about the complement for that sentence. I suppose someone would just say something like "hoy vamos de vinos". And then tell whether they're going to one bar or to several places.)
"Ir de" is also found in "ir de tiendas" (to go shopping), which implies wandering from one store to another.
__________________
Ain't it wonderful to be alive when the Rock'n'Roll plays...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old August 18, 2017, 11:25 AM
aleCcowaN's Avatar
aleCcowaN aleCcowaN is offline
Diamond
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Posts: 3,127
Native Language: Castellano
aleCcowaN is on a distinguished road
In "de vinos" is announced the mood and theme of the outing.

There's a well known expression, "salir/irse de p****" meaning going out to pick up some ladies of the red district.

It's pretty informal, and it has regional variations.

"De (algo)" also is by extension used to describe a way or cause. For instance, "irse de boca" can both mean "to be indiscreet" or "to be cheeky or extremely rude", that is, saying what would have much better remained unsaid.
__________________
[gone]
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old August 21, 2017, 01:42 AM
dupond dupond is offline
Ruby
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 98
dupond is on a distinguished road
Thanks for the replies. I only just got the email notification about the thread.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
en, prepositions

 

Link to this thread
URL: 
HTML Link: 
BB Code: 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Site Rules

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Una pregunta fácil sobre "es", "está","Qué", "A qué" BobRitter Grammar 1 November 14, 2016 08:22 AM
"Hacer falta", "faltar" y "necesitar" ratoygato Vocabulary 4 June 18, 2013 12:30 PM
En "courage", Sp "coraje" Old French "corage" pacomartin123 Vocabulary 5 June 29, 2012 06:46 AM
Homework help regarding the words "tener", "venir", "preferir", and "querer" cwlcwlspanish Practice & Homework 8 October 08, 2011 06:20 PM
Verbs like "lavar", "cepillar", y "despertar" laepelba Grammar 9 February 02, 2009 03:01 AM


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:11 AM.

Forum powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

X