The word "sobre" in Spanish functions primarily as a preposition but can also be used as a noun.
The phonetic transcription of "sobre" using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /ˈso.βɾe/.
The word "sobre" can be translated into English as: - about - on - over - above - envelope (when used as a noun)
In the Spanish language, "sobre" is widely used as a preposition to indicate position, direction, or a subject of discussion. It can refer to an object being over or covering something ("la lámpara está sobre la mesa" - "the lamp is on the table"), or it can indicate the topic of a conversation ("hablamos sobre política" - "we talk about politics").
The frequency of use for "sobre" is quite high in both oral and written contexts, though it may appear more frequently in written language when discussing topics or subjects.
I spoke about climate change at the conference.
El libro está sobre la mesa de la cocina.
The word "sobre" can appear in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish, which often enhance its meanings. Here are some examples:
It is always better to be on safe ground than to take risks.
Caer sobre alguien - "to fall upon someone"
The criticism fell upon those responsible for the situation.
Poner algo sobre la mesa - "to put something on the table"
We need to put all arguments on the table before deciding.
Estar sobre aviso - "to be on alert"
The word "sobre" comes from the Latin "super", which means "above" or "over". The evolution of the word reflects its consistent use through the ages to indicate position and topics of discussion.
Synonyms: - Acerca de (about) - En (in/on) - Encima de (on top of)
Antonyms: - Bajo (under) - Debajo de (beneath)
In conclusion, "sobre" is a versatile word in the Spanish language used frequently in various contexts, both spoken and written. Its understanding is essential for effective communication and expression in Spanish.