Learn about preposition "de" in Spanish: descriptions
In Spanish, we sometimes use the preposition "de" followed by a noun to describe something. Its function is that of an adjective modifying the noun just before.
This prepositional structure in Spanish is always descriptive of the noun it is referring to. It may make reference to different things.
Colours and patterns
¿Tienes peces de colores?Do you have coloured fish?
Esta camisa de rayas vale solo 10 euros.This stripy shirt costs only 10 euros.
Prefiero el vestido de flores. Es más bonito.I prefer the flowery dress. It is prettier.
Flavours, materials
He comprado vasos de plástico para la fiesta.I bought some plastic cups for the party.
¿Quieres un helado de fresa?Would you like a strawberry ice cream?
Occasions, events, seasons
Tengo que guardar mi ropa de verano.I need to put away my summer clothes.
Me gusta el calendario de Adviento.I like the Advent calendar.
La comida de Navidad en mi casa siempre es abundante.The Christmas meal in my home is always plentiful.
Quiero una tarta de cumpleaños.I want a birthday cake.
Su vestido de novia está en la tintorería.Her wedding dress is at the dry cleaner's.
Este año no tengo disfraz de Halloween.This year I don't have a Hallowe'en costume.
Subjects
Hoy no hay clase de español. La profesora está enferma.There is no Spanish class today. The teacher is ill.
Este libro de historia es muy interesante.This history book is very interesting.
Themes
Me encantan las películas de miedo.I love horror movies.
Voy a contarte un cuento de hadas.I am going to tell you a fairy tale.
People
Voy a la primera planta para ver la ropa de niño.I am going to the first floor to see the children's clothes.
Los pijamas de señora están en la planta baja.The ladies' pyjamas are on the ground floor.
Notice how in English this is often described with either a noun or an adjective with no preposition (summer, Christmas, coloured, flowery, history...).
See also Using preposition de in Spanish to express possession
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