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Spanish (Spain) • Level 1 • GRAMMAR

a (other uses)

💡 Grammar Rule

The Preposition "a" in Spanish

The preposition a is one of the most versatile and frequently used words in the Spanish language. While it is often translated as "to" or "at" in English, it serves many other functions related to movement, manner, price, and grammatical connections between verbs.

1. Movement and Destination

The most common use of a is to indicate the destination of a verb of motion (such as ir, venir, llegar, or salir).

  • Voy a Madrid mañana. (I am going to Madrid tomorrow.)
  • Hemos llegado a casa muy tarde. (We arrived home very late.)

2. Distance and Location

It is used to express the distance at which something is located.

  • El pueblo está a cinco kilómetros de aquí. (The village is five kilometers from here.)
  • Estamos a poca distancia de la playa. (We are a short distance from the beach.)

3. Price and Rates

We use a to state the price or rate of items, especially when the price fluctuates or refers to a specific unit.

  • Las manzanas están a dos euros el kilo. (Apples are at two euros per kilo.)
  • ¿A cuánto está el cambio hoy? (What is the exchange rate at today?)

4. Manner (Adverbial Expressions)

Many fixed expressions regarding how something is done (the manner) begin with a.

  • Vamos a pie. (We are going on foot.)
  • Este suéter está hecho a mano. (This sweater is made by hand.)
  • Escribir a lápiz. (To write in pencil.)

5. Connecting Verbs to Infinitives

Certain verbs require the preposition a before an infinitive verb. This often indicates the start of an action, learning, teaching, or movement with a purpose.

  • Aprender a: Aprendo a cocinar paella. (I am learning to cook paella.)
  • Empezar/Comenzar a: Empieza a llover. (It is starting to rain.)
  • Venir/Ir a: Vengo a ayudar. (I am coming to help.)

6. Idiomatic Expressions (Saber/Sonar)

Specifically with the verbs saber (to taste) and sonar (to sound), a links the verb to the noun that describes the taste or sound.

  • Esto sabe a fresa. (This tastes like strawberry.)
  • Su nombre me suena a chino. (His name sounds like Chinese to me / It's Greek to me.)

7. Contraction "Al"

When the preposition a is followed immediately by the masculine singular definite article el, they contract to form al. Note: It does not contract with la, los, or las.

a + el = al

  • Voy al cine. (I am going to the cinema.)
  • Jugamos al fútbol. (We play soccer.)
Where are you going now?
¿Adónde vas ahora?
I’m going to the library.
Voy a la biblioteca.
How do you go to the office?
¿Cómo vas a la oficina?
I always go on foot.
Siempre voy a pie.
I want to learn to drive.
Quiero aprender a conducir.
It is very easy and useful.
Es muy fácil y útil.
This ice cream tastes like strawberry.
Este helado sabe a fresa.
It’s my favorite flavor.
Es mi sabor favorito.
How much are the grapes?
¿A cómo están las uvas?
They are at three euros a kilo.
Están a tres euros el kilo.
Is the hotel far?
¿Está lejos el hotel?
No, it is one hundred meters from here.
No, está a cien metros de aquí.
What are you coming to do today?
¿A qué vienes hoy?
I come to work with you.
Vengo a trabajar contigo.
Do you like this song?
¿Te gusta esta canción?
Yes, it sounds like eighties pop music.
Sí, suena a música pop de los ochenta.
Do they know how to ride a horse?
¿Ellos saben montar a caballo?
Yes, they ride very well.
Sí, montan muy bien.
When does it start raining?
¿Cuándo empieza a llover?
I think it starts soon.
Creo que empieza pronto.
What time do you arrive home?
¿A qué hora llegas a casa?
I arrive at seven.
Llego a las siete.
What are you going to do tomorrow?
¿Qué vas a hacer mañana?
I am going to rest all day.
Voy a descansar todo el día.
This scarf is made by hand.
Esta bufanda está hecha a mano.
How pretty and soft!
¡Qué bonita y suave!
What does this sauce taste like?
¿A qué sabe esta salsa?
It tastes a lot like cheese.
Sabe mucho a queso.
Will you help me clean the kitchen?
¿Me ayudas a limpiar la cocina?
Sure, I’m going right now.
Claro, ahora mismo voy.
Where does Marta live?
¿Dónde vive Marta?
She lives ten minutes from the center.
Vive a diez minutos del centro.
These apples are very cheap.
Estas manzanas están muy baratas.
Yes, they are at one euro a kilo.
Sí, están a un euro el kilo.
Who teaches you to play the guitar?
¿Quién te enseña a tocar la guitarra?
My older brother.
Mi hermano mayor.
Shall we go out to have dinner tonight?
¿Salimos a cenar esta noche?
That seems like a great plan to me.
Me parece un plan genial.
It smells like freshly made coffee here.
Aquí huele a café recién hecho.
Yes, the cafeteria is nearby.
Sí, la cafetería está cerca.
Don’t shout like that again.
No vuelvas a gritar así.
I’m sorry, I was angry.
Lo siento, estaba enfadado.
Do you want to go up the mountain?
¿Quieres subir a la montaña?
No, I prefer to stay here.
No, prefiero quedarme aquí.
Can I write the exam in pencil?
¿Puedo escribir el examen a lápiz?
No, you have to use a pen.
No, tienes que usar bolígrafo.
Is the park very far?
¿El parque está muy lejos?
No, it is a short distance away.
No, está a poca distancia.
The baby is starting to walk.
El bebé comienza a caminar.
How exciting!
¡Qué emoción!

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