Arriba can indicate a higher place or movement of attention upward.
The idea
Use arriba alone for up or upstairs; de arriba can identify the upper item.
Examples
- La habitación está arriba.The room is upstairs.
- Ana mira arriba.Ana looks up.
- Hay una ventana arriba.There is a window up above.
- Subimos y esperamos arriba.We go up and wait upstairs.
- Los libros están en la caja de arriba.The books are in the upper box.
- La lámpara está arriba, en el techo.The lamp is up above, on the ceiling.
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Watch out
Arriba contrasts with abajo, which points downward or to a lower place.
Try it yourself
Choose the word matching the location: La habitación está en el piso superior: está ___. (arriba / abajo)
Show answer or example answer
arriba
The upper floor is arriba in this context.
Choose the word matching the direction: Ana mira hacia el techo, no hacia el suelo: mira ___. (arriba / abajo)
Show answer or example answer
arriba
Looking toward the ceiling is looking arriba.
Choose the preposition for the upper box: Los libros están en la caja ___ arriba. (de / con)
Show answer or example answer
de
De arriba identifies the box located higher up.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the word matching the location: La habitación está en el piso superior: está ___. (arriba / abajo)
Choose the word matching the direction: Ana mira hacia el techo, no hacia el suelo: mira ___. (arriba / abajo)
Choose the preposition for the upper box: Los libros están en la caja ___ arriba. (de / con)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Say what is upstairs and where someone looks when looking up.