A person affected by an action is often introduced with a, unlike an ordinary object.
The idea
Use a before a named person or a specific person as direct object: Veo a Marta. Ordinary inanimate direct objects generally do not take it.
Examples
- Veo a Marta en la estación.I see Marta at the station.
- Buscamos al profesor de música.We are looking for the music teacher.
- Conozco a tus vecinos.I know your neighbors.
- Ella llama a su hermana.She calls her sister.
- Leo el mapa con cuidado.I read the map carefully.
- ¿Visitas a tu abuelo los domingos?Do you visit your grandfather on Sundays?
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Watch out
Do not assume every human reference behaves identically: specificity, the verb and context can affect usage.
Try it yourself
Choose the form before a named person. Veo ___ Marta. (a / de)
Show answer or example answer
a
Marta is a named person and takes a here.
Choose the form for an ordinary object. Leo ___ mapa. (el / al)
Show answer or example answer
el
El mapa is an ordinary inanimate direct object.
Choose the contraction before the specific doctor. Visito ___ médico que conozco. (al / el)
Show answer or example answer
al
Al combines a and el before a specific person.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the form before a named person. Veo ___ Marta. (a / de)
Choose the form for an ordinary object. Leo ___ mapa. (el / al)
Choose the contraction before the specific doctor. Visito ___ médico que conozco. (al / el)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write one sentence about seeing a named person and one about seeing an object.