au-dessus
Le tableau est accroché au-dessus de la cheminée.
The painting is hung above the fireplace.
Indicates a position higher than something else, either physically or metaphorically.
Elle vit au-dessus de ses moyens.
She lives above her means.
Les nuages sont au-dessus des montagnes.
The clouds are above the mountains.
Can also be used metaphorically to indicate superiority or dominance.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Physical vs. Metaphorical Use
While 'au-dessus' often refers to physical height, it can also express abstract superiority (e.g., 'au-dessus de la loi' = 'above the law').
Gold Rule
Prepositional Usage
'Au-dessus' is typically followed by 'de' when referring to a specific object or location.
Word Origin
From Old French 'a desus', from Latin 'de' (from) and 'superus' (upper).
Usage Notes
Often used with 'de' to indicate a specific reference point (e.g., 'au-dessus de la table').