A starting point can be a threshold, a location or a moment in time.

The idea

A partir de highlights a threshold from which something applies; desde marks an origin in space or time. Both can introduce a starting time.

Patterns to compare
ExpresiónUso
a partir deumbral de inicio
desdepunto de origen en el espacio o el tiempo

Examples

  • A partir del lunes, abriremos antes.Starting on Monday, we will open earlier.
  • El descuento vale a partir de diez entradas.The discount applies starting at ten tickets.
  • A partir de las ocho se permite entrar.Entry is allowed from eight onward.
  • El río se ve desde la terraza.The river can be seen from the terrace.
  • Vivimos aquí desde 2020.We have lived here since 2020.
  • El autobús sale desde la estación.The bus leaves from the station.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Spanish voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not use a partir de for the place from which you see something; use desde.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the expression for the indicated meaning. El nuevo horario rige ___ mañana. (indica el umbral de inicio: a partir de / desde)

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    a partir de

    a partir de: tomorrow is the threshold for the new schedule.

  2. Choose the expression for the indicated meaning. Veo el puerto ___ mi ventana. (indica el punto de observación: a partir de / desde)

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    desde

    desde: the window is the observation point.

  3. Choose the expression for the indicated meaning. La tarifa cambia ___ cinco kilos. (indica un umbral de cantidad: a partir de / desde)

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    a partir de

    a partir de: five kilos is the quantity threshold.

Use it today

Choose the expression that emphasizes the meaning given in each sentence.