a
prepositionCEFR A1High frequency
What does “a” mean in English?
to / at
Example sentences
Voy a la escuela.
I'm going to school.
Como a las dos.
I eat at two.
Veo a María.
I see María.
How to use it
A means 'to' (direction), 'at' (time), or marks a personal direct object (the 'personal a'). Combines with el to form al ('to the').
Common mistake
When the direct object is a person, use the 'personal a': 'veo a María' (NOT 'veo María'). English doesn't mark this; Spanish does.