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Learn how to use prepositions like "por" (por la mañana), "en" (en la noche), "a" (al amanecer), and "de" (de noche) to indicate different times of the day in Spanish.
  1. Use "en" to indicate specific parts of the day. For example: "en la noche".
  2. Use "a" or "al" to indicate hours and precise moments. For example: "al atardecer".
  3. Use "por" to indicate general periods of the day. For example: "por la mañana".
  4. Use "de" or "del" to indicate a part of the day or a period of time. For example: "de noche".
PreposiciónEjemplo
PorPor la mañana (In the morning)
 Por la tarde (In the afternoon)
 Por la noche (At night)
EnEn la mañana (In the morning)
 En la noche (In the night)
A + el => AlAl amanecer (At dawn)
A + laA la medianoche (At midnight)
De + el => DelDel mediodía (Of midday)
De + laDe la mañana (Of the morning)
DeDe noche (At night)
 De día (Of day)

Exercise 1: Preposiciones: indicar momentos del día

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

por, En, del, de, Por, a

1.
Son las dos ... la tarde.
(It is two o'clock in the afternoon.)
2.
El viernes ... la tarde hay una comida familiar.
(On Friday afternoon there is a family lunch.)
3.
Trabajo ... la mañana.
(I work in the morning.)
4.
Hoy a las diez ... la noche voy a Portugal.
(Today at ten o'clock at night I am going to Portugal.)
5.
Hoy ... la medianoche celebro mi cumpleaños.
(Tonight at midnight I celebrate my birthday.)
6.
Mañana a las cinco ... mediodía vamos a una fiesta.
(Tomorrow at five in the afternoon we are going to a party.)
7.
... la mañana del lunes organizo mi semana.
(On Monday morning I organise my week.)
8.
... la tarde visito a mi abuela.
(In the afternoon I visit my grandmother.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. Quedo contigo _____ para ver una película.

(I meet you _____ to watch a movie.)

2. Ayer _____ organicé una cena con amigos.

(Last _____ I organized a dinner with friends.)

3. Me gusta correr _____ para empezar bien el día.

(I like to run _____ to start the day well.)

4. Nos vemos el miércoles _____ para estudiar juntos.

(We see each other Wednesday _____ to study together.)

5. Trabajo _____ cuando tengo proyectos importantes.

(I work _____ when I have important projects.)

6. _____ siempre como con mis compañeros de trabajo.

(_____ I always eat with my coworkers.)

Prepositions Indicating Times of the Day in Spanish

This lesson focuses on the use of prepositions to express different times and moments of the day in Spanish. Prepositions like por, en, a, and de are commonly used to talk about times of day, and mastering their correct use will help you describe when activities happen clearly and naturally.

Main Prepositions and Their Use

  • Por: Used to indicate general periods of the day. For example, por la mañana (in the morning), por la tarde (in the afternoon), and por la noche (at night).
  • En: Used to point out specific parts of the day. For instance, en la mañana or en la noche.
  • A / Al: The preposition a or its contraction al (a + el) indicates precise moments or hours. Examples include al amanecer (at dawn) and a la medianoche (at midnight).
  • De / Del: These prepositions indicate parts of the day or time frames. Examples are de noche (at night), de día (during the day), and del mediodía (around noon).

Important Note on Spanish Prepositions Compared to English

While English often uses simple phrases like "in the morning" or "at night," Spanish distinguishes these times more precisely with different prepositions depending on whether the reference is general, specific, or exact. For example:

  • Por la mañana = generally during the morning period ("in the morning")
  • En la noche = emphasizing the part of the night
  • Al atardecer = exactly at dusk

Being aware of these nuances will improve accuracy and naturalness in Spanish conversation.

Useful Words and Phrases Highlighted in This Lesson

  • Por la mañana – in the morning
  • Por la tarde – in the afternoon
  • Por la noche – at night
  • En la mañana, en la noche – indicating specific parts of the day
  • Al amanecer – at dawn
  • A la medianoche – at midnight
  • Del mediodía – around noon
  • De noche, de día – during night or day periods

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