What does "encima de" mean?
The phrase "encima de" translates to "on top of" or "above." It is used to indicate that something is physically positioned higher than a reference point, or figuratively to mean "in addition to" or "over and above." It is commonly used in both spatial and metaphorical contexts.
Examples
1.
El libro está encima de la mesa.
The book is on top of the table. (presente de indicativo)
The book is on top of the table. (presente de indicativo)
2.
¿Puedes poner la taza encima del plato?
Can you put the cup on top of the plate? (presente de indicativo — question)
Can you put the cup on top of the plate? (presente de indicativo — question)
3.
De niño, siempre ponía los juguetes encima de la cama.
As a child, I always put my toys on top of the bed. (imperfecto de indicativo)
As a child, I always put my toys on top of the bed. (imperfecto de indicativo)
4.
Puso el documento encima del escritorio.
He put the document on top of the desk. (pretérito)
He put the document on top of the desk. (pretérito)
5.
Colocaré la foto encima del estante.
I will place the photo on top of the shelf. (futuro)
I will place the photo on top of the shelf. (futuro)
6.
Pondría el libro encima de la mesa si tuviera espacio.
I would put the book on top of the table if I had space. (condicional simple)
I would put the book on top of the table if I had space. (condicional simple)
7.
No creo que esté encima de la nevera.
I don't think it's on top of the fridge. (presente de subjuntivo)
I don't think it's on top of the fridge. (presente de subjuntivo)
8.
Me pidió que pusiera el cuadro encima de la chimenea.
She asked me to put the painting on top of the fireplace. (imperfecto de subjuntivo)
She asked me to put the painting on top of the fireplace. (imperfecto de subjuntivo)
9.
¿Has visto las llaves encima del sofá?
Have you seen the keys on top of the sofa? (perfecto de indicativo)
Have you seen the keys on top of the sofa? (perfecto de indicativo)
10.
Cuando llegué, ya había puesto todo encima de la mesa.
When I arrived, he had already put everything on top of the table. (pluscuamperfecto de indicativo)
When I arrived, he had already put everything on top of the table. (pluscuamperfecto de indicativo)
11.
Apenas hubo colocado el cartel encima de la puerta, los clientes entraron.
As soon as he placed the sign on top of the door, the customers came in. (pretérito anterior — literary/formal)
As soon as he placed the sign on top of the door, the customers came in. (pretérito anterior — literary/formal)
12.
Para cuando llegues, ya habré puesto todo encima de la mesa.
By the time you arrive, I will have put everything on top of the table. (futuro perfecto)
By the time you arrive, I will have put everything on top of the table. (futuro perfecto)
13.
Habría puesto el paquete encima del mostrador si hubiera visto.
I would have put the package on top of the counter if I had seen it. (potencial compuesto)
I would have put the package on top of the counter if I had seen it. (potencial compuesto)
14.
Dudo que hayan puesto el cartel encima de la entrada sin permiso.
I doubt they put the sign on top of the entrance without permission. (perfecto de subjuntivo)
I doubt they put the sign on top of the entrance without permission. (perfecto de subjuntivo)
15.
Si hubiera sabido que pondrías los libros encima de mi escritorio, no te habría prestado mi espacio.
If I had known you would put the books on top of my desk, I wouldn't have lent you my space. (pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo)
If I had known you would put the books on top of my desk, I wouldn't have lent you my space. (pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo)