Spanish 2: The Personal "a"

A + El = Al

To + The = To the

A (Preposition)

To, at, of, into...

I see Manuel. (Direct object is specific person.)

Veo a Manuel.

In Spanish, what are the other two reasons the personal "a" is used preceding a direct object?

1. If the direct object is a domesticated animal, especially a pet, provided that the speaker attaches some sort of personal feelings towards the animal. 2. If the speaker has a personal feeling or attachment to something or someone.

In Spanish, what are the two reasons the personal "a" is NOT used preceding a direct object?

1. The personal "a" is not used when the direct object is not a person or is an animal for which no personal feelings are felt. 2. The personal "a" is not used after the verb tener, or the verb form hay. This is true even if the direct object is a person. (Note: If the direct object is an indefinite person, the personal "a" is not used. The result is that the person becomes "depersonalized.")

What is a direct object?

A direct object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb. (Examples: - Mike hit the ball - "ball" is the direct object. - George calls Mary - "Mary" is the direct object. - He calls her - "her" is the direct object.)

A + El =

Al

I drink the milk.

Bebo la leche. (Note: The milk is neither a person nor an animal)

The dog chases the cat.

El perro persigue a la gata.

Specify of Personal 'a'

If you are picturing a face (of something you know, have an emotional and relationship with)

In Spanish, when a direct object is a person, what is it preceded by?

It is preceded by the preposition "a." (Example: Jorge llama a María. - Jorge calls María.) (Note: This word has no English translation.)

Jorge calls María.

Jorge llama a María.

The woman pets her dog.

La mujer acaricia a su perro.

I look at the giraffe.

Miro la jirafa. (Note: Their are no personal feelings felt towards the giraffe)