Spanish · A2 · Everyday language
With it or without it in Spanish
Learn how to express inclusion and exclusion using the prepositions 'con' (with) and 'sin' (without) to talk about people, tools, and accessories in daily family life.
What you'll learn
- Master the use of 'con' and 'sin' with nouns.
- Learn the special pronoun forms 'conmigo' and 'contigo'.
- Identify which pronouns to use after prepositions.
Spanish phrases for with it or without it
Voy contigo.
I'm coming with you.
'Contigo' is a special one-word form for 'with you'.
Por favor, no empieces sin mí.
Please don't start without me.
Use 'mí' (with an accent) after 'sin'.
¿Podemos arreglárnoslas sin el carrito?
Can we manage without the trolley?
'Sin' is followed by the standard article and noun.
Es más fácil con una linterna.
It's easier with a torch.
A simple 'con' + noun structure.
El juego funciona sin pilas.
The game works without batteries.
Use the plural noun directly after 'sin'.
¿Lo quieres con tapa?
Would you like it with a lid?
Asking about preferences using 'con'.
Hoy podemos ir sin el cochecito.
We can go without the pushchair today.
'Cochecito' is the common word for a stroller or pushchair.
Con él, tenemos suficientes jugadores.
With him, we have enough players.
'Él' (him) stays the same after 'con'.
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Conmigo
With me
A combination of 'con' + 'mí' + 'go'. Always one word.
Contigo
With you
A combination of 'con' + 'ti' + 'go'. Always one word.
Pilas
Batteries
Commonly used for small household batteries.
Carrito
Trolley / Cart
Diminutive of 'carro', used for shopping carts or strollers.
Special Pronouns with 'Con'
In Spanish, 'with me' and 'with you' are special single words. Other pronouns like 'él' (him) or 'nosotros' (us) follow 'con' normally.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| With me | Conmigo | Ven conmigo. |
| With you | Contigo | Hablo contigo. |
| With him/her | Con él / Con ella | Juego con él. |
Pronouns with 'Sin'
When using 'without', use 'mí' for 'me' and 'ti' for 'you'. Note the accent on 'mí' to distinguish it from 'mi' (my).
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Without me | Sin mí | No te vayas sin mí. |
| Without you | Sin ti | No quiero ir sin ti. |
More examples
¿Quieres café con leche o sin leche?
Do you want coffee with milk or without milk?
A classic example of choosing between con and sin.
Él camina sin zapatos.
He walks without shoes.
Notice 'sin' followed directly by the plural noun.
Quédate conmigo.
Stay with me.
Using the special 'conmigo' form.