desde
/DEHS-deh/
Think of 'desde' as the starting pin on a map. It marks where a journey or action begins in space.
desde (Preposition)
📝 In Action
Caminamos desde la playa hasta el hotel.
A1We walked from the beach to the hotel.
Te estoy viendo desde mi ventana.
A2I'm watching you from my window.
El tren viaja desde Madrid a Barcelona.
A1The train travels from Madrid to Barcelona.
💡 Grammar Points
Emphasizing the Starting Line
Use 'desde' when you want to really highlight the starting point of a journey or distance. It's often paired with 'hasta' (to/until) to show the full path: 'desde Madrid hasta Barcelona'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Where you're from vs. where you're coming from
Mistake: "Soy desde España."
Correction: To say where you are from (your origin), use 'ser de': 'Soy de España'. To say where your current journey started, use 'desde': 'Vengo desde España' (I am coming from Spain).
'Desde' can also mark a starting point in time, showing when an action or state began and has continued.
desde (Preposition)
📝 In Action
Vivo aquí desde 2015.
A2I've lived here since 2015.
No la he visto desde el lunes.
A2I haven't seen her since Monday.
Desde ahora, voy a estudiar más.
B1From now on, I'm going to study more.
Te quiero desde el primer día que te vi.
B1I've loved you since the first day I saw you.
💡 Grammar Points
A Key Difference from English
In Spanish, you can use the simple present tense with 'desde' to talk about an action that started in the past and continues. 'Vivo aquí desde 2015' is perfect, while 'I live here since 2015' is incorrect in English.
❌ Common Pitfalls
A Point in Time vs. A Period of Time
Mistake: "Estudio español desde tres años."
Correction: Use 'desde' for a specific starting *point* ('desde 2020'). To talk about a *length* of time, use 'desde hace': 'Estudio español desde hace tres años' (I've been studying Spanish for three years).
⭐ Usage Tips
Marking the Beginning
Think of 'desde' as putting a pin in the calendar. It marks the exact moment something started and is still happening.
You can also use 'desde' to show a point of view, like looking at something 'from' a certain angle or perspective.
desde (Preposition)
📝 In Action
Desde mi punto de vista, la idea es excelente.
B1From my point of view, the idea is excellent.
Visto desde esa perspectiva, tienes razón.
B2Seen from that perspective, you're right.
El problema debe analizarse desde todos los ángulos.
B2The problem must be analyzed from all angles.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sounding More Thoughtful
Using phrases like 'desde mi punto de vista' is a great way to introduce your opinion in a conversation. It can sound a bit more formal and considered than simply saying 'Creo que...' (I think that...).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: desde
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly says 'I've known him for five years'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'de' and 'desde'?
They can both mean 'from,' which is tricky! The simplest rule is: use 'de' for permanent origin ('Soy de Canadá') and what things are made of ('mesa de madera'). Use 'desde' to emphasize the starting point of a journey ('Vengo desde el trabajo') or a starting time ('Trabajo desde las 9'). 'Desde' often implies a distance or duration that follows.
Can I say 'desde que'?
Yes! 'Desde que' is a very useful phrase that means 'ever since'. You use it to connect to a full action or event. For example, 'No como carne desde que vi ese documental' (I haven't eaten meat ever since I saw that documentary).