The personal a
A2Grammar path · Lesson 32 of 86 · Stage A2 · Object pronouns
In Spanish, when the direct object of a verb is a specific person, you must put a in front of that person: Veo a Ana (I see Ana). With things you don't: Veo la casa. The pattern is simple: verb + a + person, and a + el always contracts to al. The rule also covers pets and the words alguien, nadie and quién. Learners often mix it up with the object pronouns lo and la: once you replace the person with a pronoun, the a disappears, so Veo a Ana becomes La veo.
Practise this lesson · 10 sentences
Form
sujeto + verbo + a + personano + verbo + a + persona¿A quién + verbo?verbo + al + sustantivo masculinoWhen to use it
A specific person as direct object
When the verb acts directly on a known, specific person (a name, a relative, someone already identified), always put a before them.
Pets
Pets are treated like family members, so they take a too. Animals in general usually do not.
With alguien, nadie, quién
Person words like alguien, nadie and quién always need a when they are the direct object, even though the person is unknown.
Signal words
Don't confuse it with
Frequently asked questions
Do I use a after tener?
Usually not: Tengo dos hermanos, not Tengo a dos hermanos.
When does a become al?
Whenever a comes before the article el it must contract: Llamo al médico. With la, los, las there is no contraction: Llamo a la doctora.
Does an unspecified person need a?
No, if the person is not specific: Necesito un médico. For a specific person, use a: Busco a mi médico.
Is the personal a translated into English?
No. Veo a Ana simply means I see Ana.
Do I use a with pets?
Yes, pets normally take a: Quiero a mi perro.