Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Next To in Spanish
Al Lado De · preposition · ahl LAH-doh deh
The most common way to say 'next to' in Spanish is 'al lado de,' which literally translates to 'at the side of.' The alternative 'junto a' carries a slightly more formal or literary tone but means the same thing. Both are essential for giving directions and describing locations.
Pronounced ahl LAH-doh deh. The phrase has natural stress on 'LA' in 'lado.' When followed by 'el,' it contracts: 'al lado del' (al lado de + el).
La farmacia está al lado del supermercado.
The pharmacy is next to the supermarket.
Next To in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for next to, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| al lado de | next to | ahl LAH-doh deh | Default, widely understood |
| junto a | next to | literary/formal | |
| a un lado de | next to | slightly more distance implied |
How Native Speakers Use Al Lado De
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Giving directions
El banco está al lado de la panadería, no tiene pierde.
The bank is next to the bakery, you can't miss it.
Common usage when giving directions with the expression 'no tiene pierde' (you can't miss it).
Describing seating
¿Puedo sentarme al lado tuyo?
Can I sit next to you?
Shows the possessive variation 'al lado tuyo' instead of 'a tu lado,' both are correct.
Formal writing
El monumento se encuentra junto a la catedral principal.
The monument is located next to the main cathedral.
Uses 'junto a' in a more formal descriptive context typical of guidebooks or written descriptions.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Al Lado De
Forgetting the 'de' preposition
Incorrect: Está al lado la tienda.
Correct: Está al lado de la tienda.
The full prepositional phrase requires 'de' — it's 'al lado de' (at the side of). Dropping 'de' is a common error for English speakers.
Confusing 'al lado de' with 'próximo a'
Incorrect: La silla está próxima a la mesa.
Correct: La silla está al lado de la mesa.
While 'próximo' means 'next' in the sense of 'upcoming' or 'near,' it doesn't work for physical adjacency the way 'al lado de' does.
Lock in Next To Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Al Lado De used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Next To in Spanish
- What's the difference between 'al lado de' and 'junto a'?
- Both phrases mean 'next to,' but 'al lado de' is the everyday colloquial choice used in most conversations, while 'junto a' appears more often in written language, formal descriptions, and literary contexts without any change in meaning.
- Can I say 'a mi lado' instead of 'al lado de mí'?
- The construction 'a mi lado' is actually the preferred and more natural way to say 'next to me' in Spanish, as it sounds more fluid than 'al lado de mí,' which while grammatically acceptable, feels stilted to native ears.
- How do I contract 'al lado de' with 'el'?
- When 'al lado de' precedes the masculine article 'el,' the preposition 'de' and 'el' merge into 'del,' giving you 'al lado del' — for example, 'al lado del parque' (next to the park) rather than 'al lado de el parque.'