Spanish Phrase
El edificio está al otro lado de la plaza.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to 'The building is to the other side of the square.' It's a common way to indicate that something is located directly across from or opposite a landmark, with a space (like a street or a square) in between. The 'al' is a contraction of 'a' (to) and 'el' (the), essential for expressing direction or location relative to something.
When to use
You would use this phrase when giving directions, describing the location of a place, or clarifying where something is in relation to a known landmark. It's particularly useful in urban settings where buildings often face public squares or parks.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Eledificioestáalotroladodelaplaza
El (The)
'El' is the masculine singular definite article, meaning 'the'. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it precedes, in this case, 'edificio'.
Edificio (Building)
This is a masculine noun meaning 'building'. It's a common word for any structure, from a house to a skyscraper.
Está (Is)
'Está' is the third-person singular form of the verb 'estar', meaning 'to be'. 'Estar' is used for locations, temporary states, and conditions, unlike 'ser' which is for permanent characteristics.
Al otro lado de (On the other side of)
This is a fixed prepositional phrase. 'Al' is a contraction of 'a' (to) and 'el' (the). The entire phrase means 'on the other side of' and is used to indicate a location opposite another point.
La plaza (The square)
'La plaza' means 'the square' or 'the public square'. 'La' is the feminine singular definite article, agreeing with the feminine noun 'plaza'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Dónde está el museo?
Where is the museum?
El edificio está al otro lado de la plaza.
The building is on the other side of the square.
✕Common Mistakes
El edificio es al otro lado de la plaza.
Using 'ser' (es) instead of 'estar' (está) for location. 'Estar' is always used for temporary or specific locations.
El edificio está otro lado de la plaza.
Forgetting the 'al' (a + el) before 'otro lado'. 'Al otro lado de' is a fixed expression meaning 'on the other side of'.
El edificio está en el otro lado de la plaza.
While 'en el otro lado' is grammatically correct in some contexts, 'al otro lado de' is the more natural and common way to express 'on the other side of' when referring to a location across from something.
↔Alternatives
Está enfrente de la plaza.
It's in front of the square.
Está cruzando la plaza.
It's across the square.
Se encuentra al otro lado de la plaza.
It is found on the other side of the square.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking countries, public squares (plazas) are central to city life, often serving as meeting points, cultural hubs, and reference points for directions. Giving directions often involves referencing these prominent landmarks. People are generally very helpful if you ask for directions, so don't hesitate to use phrases like this one.