Belongs in Vs Belongs to

Question

Which is correct: "She belongs in Spain" or "She belongs to Spain"? If both are possible, then what is the difference between them?Thanks.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Neither is particularly idiomatic. Are you just trying to say that she is a citizen of Spain? If so, "belong" is the wrong word.

CJ

Fatimah0786 · Answer

Thanks for the reply.

Are you just trying to say that she is a citizen of Spain?

Sorry, no.
What I meant to say was that her nation is where her talent would be appreciated and where it is needed.

Blue Jay · Answer

fatimah0786What I meant to say was that her nation is where her talent would be appreciated and where it is needed.

You could use She belongs in Spain to indicate that the need for her is more pressing in Spain than it is where she is now, with the implication that you disapprove of her devoting her time and effort to somewhere else. The statement would normally follow some introductory context which would make it clear what you meant.
She belongs to Spain would be an unusual thing to say about a person. It might be said in reference to an object that is personified as female, such as a ship, or perhaps a painting or statue that depicts a woman.

CalifJim · Answer

fatimah0786What I meant to say was that her nation is where her talent would be appreciated and where it is needed.

OK. She belongs in Spain could express that, not to Spain.

CJ

Belongs in Vs Belongs to

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