Personal a
A before a person who is the object.
When the direct object of a verb is a particular person, Spanish puts a before it. It isn't translated.
- I see María.
- I'm looking for my brother.
- Have you met my parents?
- I love my grandmother very much.
Compare a thing, which takes no a:
- I see the house.
With el, it makes al: Llamo al médico "I'm calling the doctor".
When it's used
- For people, and pets thought of as family: Quiero a mi perro "I love my dog".
- For alguien, nadie and quién as objects: ¿A quién buscas? "Who are you looking for?", No veo a nadie "I don't see anyone".
- Not for people who are just any person, not yet known: Busco un médico "I'm looking for a doctor", any doctor.
- Not usually after tener: Tengo dos hermanos "I have two brothers".
Cards from this guide
7 cardsEach card asks about one thing this guide teaches, and its back gives the answer with why and an example. They're reviewed with the rest of the Objects and prepositions cards.
Why is there an a in Veo a María?
María, a person, is the direct object.
How do you say 'I'm looking for my brother'?
Busco a mi hermano.
How do you say 'I'm calling the doctor'?
Llamo al médico.
How do you ask 'Who are you looking for?'
¿A quién buscas?
How do you say 'I don't see anyone'?
No veo a nadie.
Does tener take the personal a, as in 'I have two brothers'?
No: Tengo dos hermanos.
Why is there no a in Busco un médico?
It's any doctor, not a particular one.