The Preposition 'A'

Spanish: La preposición 'a'

Level: A2 Elementary

Category: prepositions

Explanation

The preposition 'a' is one of the most used in Spanish and has several important uses. Its main use is to indicate direction or destination: when we go somewhere, we use 'a' (Voy a Madrid = I go to Madrid, Llego al hotel = I arrive at the hotel). Remember that 'a' + 'el' always contract into 'al'. We also use 'a' to express the time at which something happens (La clase es a las nueve = The class is at nine, Nos vemos a las tres = We'll see each other at three). This answers the question '¿A qué hora?' (At what time?). Another fundamental use is to introduce the indirect object, that is, the person who receives the action (Le doy el libro a María = I give the book to María, Escribo una carta a mi madre = I write a letter to my mother). The indirect object usually answers 'to whom?'. Finally, there is the 'personal a', which is placed before the direct object when it is a specific person or a beloved animal (Veo a Juan = I see Juan, Busco a mi perro = I look for my dog). This use does not exist in English and is one of the most distinctive features of Spanish.

Examples

• Voy al café a desayunar. - I am going to the café to have breakfast.
• El museo abre a las diez de la mañana. - The museum opens at ten in the morning.
• Doy mi pasaporte a la recepcionista. - I give my passport to the receptionist.
• Veo a mi amigo en la estación. - I see my friend at the station.
• ¿A qué hora sale el próximo tren a Sevilla? - What time does the next train to Sevilla leave?