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Personal 'a' · veo a Marta

Spanish inserts a before a direct object (the person or thing the action is done to) that is a specific person or pet: veo a Marta, not veo Marta.

Examples

  • Veo a Marta.I see Marta.
  • Conozco a tus padres.I know your parents.
  • No veo a nadie.I don't see anyone.

How it works

Spanish requires the preposition "a" before a DIRECT OBJECT (the person or thing the action is done to) that refers to a specific person (or sometimes a pet, group of people, or personified thing). This "personal a" has no English equivalent — the verb still has a direct object, the "a" is just a marker.

Required:

Veo a Marta. — I see Marta. (NOT *Veo Marta)
Buscamos a nuestro hijo.

We're looking for our son.

Conozco a tus padres. — I know your parents.

NOT required when the direct object is a thing:

Veo el libro. — I see the book. (no "a")

The "a" is also typically dropped after "tener" (with no specific connotation):

Tengo dos hermanos.

I have two brothers. (no "a")

But: Tengo a mi hermano enfermo.

I have my brother sick (specific situation).

With indefinite people (alguien, nadie), "a" still appears:

¿Conoces a alguien aquí?

Do you know anyone here?

No vi a nadie. — I didn't see anyone.

With pets you treat as family, you use "a"; with random animals, usually no:

Quiero a mi perro. — I love my dog.
Veo un pájaro. — I see a bird.

The "a" + "el" contracts to "al":

Veo al chico. — I see the boy.

What you'll practise

  1. 1. Insert 'a' before a specific-person direct object

    Required before names and specific people.

    • Llamé a María.I called María.
    • Vi al profesor.I saw the teacher.

  2. 2. Skip 'a' before things

    Don't use personal a before objects/things.

    • Veo el coche.I see the car.
    • Compré un libro.I bought a book.

  3. 3. Use 'a' with alguien / nadie

    Personal a survives even when the person is indefinite.

    • ¿Conoces a alguien?Do you know anyone?
    • No veo a nadie.I don't see anyone.

Practise it until it sticks

Short drills built on these 3 skills, with instant feedback on every answer. Free to start.

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