Spanish · A2 · Everyday language
Company and Choices in Spanish
This guide helps you talk to your child about companionship and independence during outings using the Spanish equivalents of 'with' and 'without'.
What you'll learn
- Use the prepositions 'con' (with) and 'sin' (without) correctly.
- Learn special pronoun forms like 'conmigo' and 'contigo'.
- Describe necessary items for safety and navigation.
Spanish phrases for company and choices
¿Vas con tu amigo?
Are you going with your friend?
'Con' means 'with'. Remember to match the gender of 'amigo/amiga'.
Puedes ir sin mí hoy.
You can go without me today.
After 'sin', use the pronoun 'mí' (with an accent) instead of 'yo'.
¿Te gustaría venir con nosotros?
Would you like to come with us?
'Nosotros' is used for a group of males or a mixed group.
Por favor, no montes en bici sin casco.
Please do not cycle without a helmet.
'Sin' is followed directly by the noun 'casco'.
Voy contigo.
I am going with you.
'Contigo' is a special one-word form for 'with you'.
¿Puedes terminar el proyecto sin él?
Can you finish the project without him?
'Él' (him) keeps its accent mark after a preposition.
Con el mapa, puedes encontrar el centro deportivo.
With the map, you can find the sports centre.
Use 'el' or 'la' after 'con' when referring to specific tools.
Puedes pasar una tarde sin tu móvil.
You can spend one afternoon without your phone.
'Móvil' is commonly used in Spain; 'celular' is used in Latin America.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
con
with
Used to indicate accompaniment or means.
sin
without
Used to indicate the absence of something or someone.
casco
helmet
Essential for safety phrases.
mapa
map
Note that 'mapa' is masculine (el mapa) despite ending in 'a'.
Special Pronouns with 'Con'
In Spanish, 'with me' and 'with you' (singular/informal) have unique forms. Most other pronouns just follow 'con' or 'sin' normally.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| With me | conmigo | Ven conmigo. (Come with me.) |
| With you | contigo | Quiero ir contigo. (I want to go with you.) |
| Without me/you | sin mí / sin ti | No vayas sin ti. (Don't go without yourself - reflexive/rare) vs No vayas sin mí. |
Prepositions and Pronouns
After prepositions like 'sin', the pronouns 'yo' and 'tú' change to 'mí' and 'ti'. Other pronouns (él, ella, nosotros, ellos) stay the same.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Subject vs Prepositional | yo -> mí | Es para mí. (It is for me.) |
| Subject vs Prepositional | tú -> ti | Sin ti no voy. (Without you I'm not going.) |
More examples
¿Quieres agua con gas o sin gas?
Do you want sparkling water (with gas) or still water (without gas)?
A very common way to use con/sin while eating out.
Ella camina con su perro.
She walks with her dog.
Standard use of 'con' + possessive adjective.
No salgas sin chaqueta.
Don't go out without a jacket.
Practical safety advice for children.