Forum Rocket Spanish Spanish - Grammar ¿Estoy en el camino, o Estoy de camino?

¿Estoy en el camino, o Estoy de camino?

Gregorio

Gregorio

After finishing lesson 5.5, I tried impressing my Puerto Rican girlfriend by saying "I'm on my way" in Spanish. I said: "Estoy en el camino," patterning it after the lesson's question: ¿Estás en el camino? She said it should be: "Estoy de camino." I've Googled around and I have found quite a bit of spirited discussion about this. Is this another example of regional differences? Thanks, Greg
Gregorio

Gregorio

Guys, does this one have you stumped? Please help. Gracias, Greg
nohablo

nohablo

The resounding silence suggests that perhaps no one here knows the answer. Questions about possible regional differences are probably best asked on a forum where there are lots of native Spanish speakers from different countries, such as WordReference.com. I recommend you join that forum and ask your question there. If you get some good responses, it would be great if you'd let those of us on the Rocket Spanish forum know. Buena suerte.
patrickhernandez

patrickhernandez

Yeah, I'm going to defer to regional differences too. I've always heard and said "Estoy en camino". "Estoy en el camino" sounds like you're saying "I'm in the way".
johnlouisjones

johnlouisjones

I learned this trick on another web page, but it helps here... If you google both phrases in italics and read the number of results you'll be able to see which phrase has more uses (at least online). In this case there's a CLEAR winner in regards to which one has been used more. Hope this helps! :)
Mauricio

Mauricio

Hello greg, Although I have heard it said both ways I agree with "Estoy de camino" as this sort of leaves it hanging or open... just like the English, "I'm on my way...", where as "Estoy en el camino" is quite flat and literally means "You are on the road - full stop". I hope that helps. Mauricio

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