Español 30

Lección Estructuras Práctica Asignación

2.05 The Personal "a"

We often think of the word "a" in Spanish as meaning to. You may have noticed it being used in situations where that meaning doesn't fit. This may be the "Personal a". Contrast the examples below:

  • Le estoy hablando a mi amigo.

  • Estoy llamando a mi hermano.


As the name infers, the personal a is only used before a specific person (or pet); it is quite important, as it indicates a personal connection with that person or pet. It is not used before things.

In the second example, the "a" for English speakers has no meaning, however in Spanish, it does.

  • Recuerdo el libro.

  • Recuerdo a mi abuela.


Of course there are more details and exceptions — the important one is that the personal a is not used after the verb tener.

  • Yo tengo tres primos.

If you would like more details, you will find more info online. Start with Study Spanish and Jump Start Video.

For now, be aware, start noticing it and try to use it in your writing.

Go back to the Lección page to re-read the 2 Situaciones — how many examples of the Personal a do you see this time?