The Personal A

Spanish: La "a" personal

Level: A2 Elementary

Category: prepositions

Explanation

In Spanish, when the direct object of a verb is a specific person (or a beloved animal), we must place the preposition "a" before that person. This "a" is not translated into English; it simply marks that the direct object is a person. For example: "Veo a María" (I see María). Without the "a", the sentence would be incorrect in Spanish. The personal "a" is used with specific, known people, with proper names, with pronouns referring to people (alguien, nadie, quien), and with pets or personified animals. It is also used with groups of people: "Visito a mis abuelos" (I visit my grandparents). We do NOT use the personal "a" when the direct object is a thing or a place: "Veo la casa" (I see the house). It is also generally not used after the verb "tener" when it expresses possession: "Tengo dos hermanos" (I have two brothers). When "a" combines with the article "el", it contracts into "al": "Busco al camarero" (a + el = al). Remember that "a la", "a los" and "a las" do not contract.

Examples

• Veo a Maria en la cafeteria. - I see Maria in the cafe.
• El camarero saluda a los clientes. - The waiter greets the customers.
• Busco al recepcionista del hotel. - I am looking for the hotel receptionist.
• No conozco a nadie en esta ciudad. - I do not know anyone in this city.
• Llamamos al doctor desde la farmacia. - We call the doctor from the pharmacy.