de por medio (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The phrase "de por medio" functions as an adverbial expression in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/ðe poɾ ˈmeðjo/

Translation Options into English

• in between
• in the way
• in the middle

Meaning and Usage

"De por medio" is an idiomatic expression that conveys the idea of something being in between things or hindering progress. It frequently appears in oral speech and written contexts, especially in discussions or narratives about obstacles or intermediaries affecting actions or events.

Example Sentences

1. "El tráfico estaba de por medio, así que llegué tarde."

2. "The traffic was in the way, so I arrived late."

3. "No puedes tomar una decisión con tantos sentimientos de por medio."

4. "You can't make a decision with so many feelings in between."

5. "Siempre hay alguien de por medio que complica las cosas."

6. "There is always someone in the way who complicates things."

Idiomatic Expressions

"De por medio" is often involved in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish, usually relating to obstacles, mediators, or protective measures between entities. Below are some examples:

1. "Poner de por medio"
2. "Si pones de por medio tu orgullo, todo será más fácil."

3. "If you put your pride in between, everything will be easier."

4. "No hay nada de por medio"

5. "No te preocupes, no hay nada de por medio entre nosotros."

6. "Don't worry, there is nothing in between us."

7. "Queda de por medio"

8. "Si queda de por medio alguna deuda, tenemos que resolverla."

9. "If there is any debt in between, we need to resolve it."

10. "Lo que queda de por medio"

11. "Lo que queda de por medio son solo malentendidos."

12. "What remains in between are just misunderstandings."

13. "Luchar de por medio"

14. "A veces uno tiene que luchar de por medio por lo que quiere."
15. "Sometimes one has to fight in between for what they want."

Etymology

The phrase "de por medio" comes from Spanish, where "de" translates to "of" or "from," "por" translates to "for" or "by," and "medio" translates to "middle" or "medium." The whole expression implies a sense of something being in a middle position, thus affecting the dynamics of a situation.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - entre (between) - en medio (in the midst)

Antonyms: - fuera (out) - al margen (on the side)

This comprehensive breakdown of "de por medio" explores its meaning, use cases, idiomatic expressions, and much more, illustrating its importance and versatility in the Spanish language.