How to Say "over" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “over” is “sobre” — use 'sobre' when indicating a position above something else, often without direct contact, like an object resting on a surface..
sobre
/SO-bray//ˈso.βɾe/
Examples
El pájaro voló sobre el tejado.
The bird flew over the roof.
El libro está sobre la mesa.
The book is on the table.
Es una película sobre la historia de México.
It's a movie about the history of Mexico.
El avión vuela sobre las nubes.
The plane flies over the clouds.
Using 'sobre' for Location
'Sobre' means 'on top of' something. It's similar to 'en' (on/in), but 'sobre' makes it extra clear that the object is resting on the surface. 'El gato está sobre el coche' means the cat is on top of the car.
Using 'sobre' for Topics
When you want to say 'about' a topic, like in a book or conversation, 'sobre' is a great choice. You can often use 'de' in the same way, but 'sobre' sounds a little more specific. For example, 'un libro sobre piratas' (a book about pirates).
'Sobre' vs. 'En'
Mistake: “Using 'en' when you specifically mean 'on top of'.”
Correction: While 'en la mesa' (on the table) is correct, 'sobre la mesa' emphasizes that it's on the surface, not inside a drawer in the table. Use 'sobre' for clarity.
encima
/en-THEE-mah/ (Spain) or /en-SEE-mah/ (Latin America)/enˈθi.ma/ (Spain) or /enˈsi.ma/ (Latin America)
Examples
Mi gato duerme encima de la cama.
My cat sleeps on top of the bed.
Las llaves están encima de la mesa.
The keys are on top of the table.
El avión vuela por encima de las nubes.
The plane flies above the clouds.
Ponte la chaqueta por encima, que hace frío.
Put the jacket on over (your clothes), it's cold.
Using 'encima de'
To say something is 'on top of' another thing, you almost always use the pair 'encima de'. For example, 'el libro encima de la mesa' (the book on top of the table).
'Encima' vs. 'Sobre'
For physical location, 'encima de' and 'sobre' are often interchangeable. 'Encima de' usually implies direct contact, while 'sobre' can be a little more general. But don't worry, people will understand you either way!
Not 'en cima'
Mistake: “El gato está en cima del coche.”
Correction: El gato está encima del coche. 'Encima' is always one word when it means 'on top of'. 'Cima' by itself is a noun meaning 'peak' or 'summit'.
terminado
/ter-mee-NAH-doh//teɾ.miˈna.ðo/
Examples
La película ha terminado.
The movie is over.
El trabajo ya está terminado.
The work is already finished.
Cuando llegué, la película ya había terminado.
When I arrived, the movie was already over.
Por fin, la casa está terminada.
Finally, the house is completed.
Making it Match
When used as a word to describe something, 'terminado' must match the thing it describes. Use 'terminada' for feminine things (la tarea terminada), 'terminados' for plural masculine things (los trabajos terminados), and 'terminadas' for plural feminine things (las clases terminadas).
Use 'Estar', not 'Ser'
To say something is finished, you'll almost always use the verb 'estar'. Think of 'finished' as a state or condition. For example, 'El informe está terminado' (The report is finished).
Forgetting to Change the Ending
Mistake: “La tarea está terminado.”
Correction: La tarea está terminada. Because 'tarea' is a feminine word, the describing word 'terminado' needs to change to 'terminada' to match.
Sobre vs. Encima
Related Translations
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