Learn Spanish (Spain): El río surge de entre las montañas de la selva. - The river emerges from among the mountains of the jungle.

Using just entre (between or among) gives a static location, as if simply stating the river is located among the mountains. Adding de (from) introduces the idea of origin. Together, the grouped preposition de entre translates to 'from among' or 'from between', showing both where the river starts and the dense surroundings it emerges from.

How would the meaning change if the sentence used por entre instead of de entre?

While de entre focuses on the origin (emerging from the mountains), por entre focuses on the route or movement through a space. If the river flows por entre las montañas, it means it winds its way through or between them, rather than originating there.

Could I use sale instead of surge in this sentence?

Yes, sale de entre las montañas is grammatically correct and simply means it 'comes out' from among the mountains. However, surge (from the verb surgir) is a more descriptive verb often used for water, ideas, or sudden appearances. It gives the stronger, more natural sense that the river 'springs forth' or 'emerges'.

Can I use de entre for things other than physical landscapes?