What’s with “Con” in Spanish?

The Spanish word “con” is a versatile preposition that can be used in a variety of contexts. It can mean “with,” “by,” “for,” “at,” or “on,” and it can also be used to form certain verb tenses.

Con as a Preposition of Means

One of the most common uses of “con” is as a preposition of means. In this sense, it means “with” or “by means of.” For example:

• Escribo con un bolígrafo. (I write with a pen.)
• Cocina con gas. (She cooks with gas.)
• Viajo con mi familia. (I travel with my family.)

Con as a Preposition of Place

“Con” can also be used as a preposition of place. In this sense, it means “at” or “on.” For example:

• Estoy con mis amigos. (I am with my friends.)
• El libro está con la mesa. (The book is on the table.)
• Vivo con mis padres. (I live with my parents.)

Con as a Preposition of Time

“Con” can also be used as a preposition of time. In this sense, it means “at” or “on.” For example:

• Nací con el año 1980. (I was born in the year 1980.)
• Me voy con las nueve. (I am leaving at 9:00.)
• Trabajamos con las tardes. (We work in the afternoons.)

Con as a Preposition of Purpose

“Con” can also be used as a preposition of purpose. In this sense, it means “for” or “in order to.” For example:

• Estudio con aprobar el examen. (I am studying in order to pass the exam.)
• Cocino con alimentar a mi familia. (I cook in order to feed my family.)
• Viajo con conocer nuevos lugares. (I travel in order to see new places.)

Con as a Preposition of Comparison

“Con” can also be used as a preposition of comparison. In this sense, it means “with” or “compared to.” For example:

• Mi coche es más rápido con el tuyo. (My car is faster than yours.)
• Mi casa es más grande con la tuya. (My house is bigger than yours.)
• Mi trabajo es más interesante con el tuyo. (My job is more interesting than yours.)

Con as a Verb Tense Former

“Con” can also be used to form certain verb tenses. For example, it is used to form the present perfect tense and the past perfect tense.

• He comido con mi familia. (I have eaten with my family.)
• Había comido con mi familia antes de ir al cine. (I had eaten with my family before going to the movies.)

Conclusion

The Spanish word “con” is a versatile preposition that can be used in a variety of contexts. It is important to understand the different meanings of “con” in order to use it correctly in Spanish.

Further Reading

• SpanishDict: Con
• StudySpanish.com: Con
• Real Academia Española: Con

Tables

Strategies

• Use “con” as a preposition of means to indicate how something is done.
• Use “con” as a preposition of place to indicate where something is located.
• Use “con” as a preposition of time to indicate when something happens.
• Use “con” as a preposition of purpose to indicate why something is done.
• Use “con” as a preposition of comparison to compare two things.
• Use “con” as a verb tense former to form certain verb tenses.

Tips and Tricks

• Remember that “con” can have multiple meanings, so it is important to understand the context in which it is used.
• Pay attention to the different forms of “con” that are used in different verb tenses.
• Practice using “con” in different contexts to improve your fluency.