Download The Personal a

The Personal a
When the direct object of the verb is a specific person (or
persons), you must place an a directly before the mention of that
person (or persons). This is known as the personal a. The direct
object is that noun which is affected directly by the verb, and it
usually follows the verb immediately in both English and Spanish.
Examples:
Yo amo a Lucy.
I love Lucy.
Miramos a George.
We watch George.
Buscas a mi hermano.
You look for my brother.
Ellos aman a sus padres.
They love their parents.
Él ve a Susana.
He sees Susan.
The personal a is unique to Spanish. As you can see by the
examples given, it does NOT translate. Adding the personal a can
be seen as a sign of respect, an acknowledgment that the person
is more important than his or her car:
Veo a Juan.
I see Juan.
Veo el coche de Juan.
I see John's car.
When NOT to use it!
1. Do NOT use the personal a with the verbs ser (to be), tener (to
have), or hay (there is; there are):
Juan es colombiano.
John is Colombian.
Tengo dos hermanos.
I have two brothers.
2. Do NOT use the personal a when the direct object is an
unspecified person:
Busco un amigo leal.
I'm looking for a loyal friend.
When to USE it!
1. Use personal a with your pets and/or other animals with whom
you have a personal relationship. Don't use it with stray pets,
nesting birds, squirrels, etc...
Examples:
Amo a mi preciosa gata, Princesa.
I love my darling cat, Princess.
Odio las termitas.
I hate termites.
2. Use personal a in a complex question that requires the personal a.
Place the a before the interrogative (question word).
Examples:
¿A quién amas?
¿A quién miras?
Whom do you love?
Whom are you watching?
3. When there is a series of direct objects that are people (and/or pets),
each will require a personal a:
Veo a Juan, a María, a Miguel y a Fido.
4. When the personal a precedes the definite article el, these
contract to form al:
Examples:
Veo al chico.
hombre.
I see the boy.
man.
Escuchamos al Presidente.
We listen to the President.
Ella ama al
She loves the