Spanish · A1 · Everyday language
Where is it? in Spanish
Helping your child find their toys is a daily task! This guide focuses on common prepositions of place to describe where objects are located using the verb 'estar'.
What you'll learn
- Ask where an object is located
- Describe position using common prepositions like 'under', 'on', and 'next to'
- Apply the contraction 'del' correctly when describing location
Spanish phrases for where is it?
¿Dónde está la pelota?
Where is the ball?
Use 'está' for single items and 'están' for plural.
Está debajo de la mesa.
It is under the table.
'Debajo de' is the fixed phrase for 'under'.
El libro está en el estante.
The book is on the shelf.
'En' is versatile and can mean 'on' or 'in'.
El gato está en la caja.
The cat is in the box.
You can also use 'dentro de' for 'inside of'.
Al lado de la puerta.
Next to the door.
'Al lado de' literally means 'at the side of'.
Detrás del sofá.
Behind the sofa.
'Del' is a required contraction of 'de' + 'el'.
Delante de la casa.
In front of the house.
'Delante de' is used for physical positioning.
¡Lo encontré!
Found it!
Use 'Lo' for masculine objects and 'La' for feminine objects.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
está
is (location)
From the verb 'estar', used for temporary states and locations.
del
of the
The combination of the preposition 'de' and the article 'el'.
dónde
where
In Spanish, question words always have an accent mark.
Using 'Estar' for Location
In Spanish, we use the verb 'estar' rather than 'ser' when talking about where something is physically located.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| It is | Está | Está aquí (It is here). |
| They are | Están | Están allí (They are there). |
| Where is...? | ¿Dónde está...? | ¿Dónde está mi zapato? |
More examples
El juguete está debajo de la cama.
The toy is under the bed.
A common phrase during cleanup time!
¿Dónde están mis llaves?
Where are my keys?
Notice 'están' is used because keys (llaves) are plural.