Topic 11
Prepositions a/de/en + the personal 'a'
The rule, in plain English
a = to/at (direction, time); de = of/from (origin, possession); en = in/on/at (static location). The 'personal a' is added before a direct object that is a specific person: 'Veo a María' (not 'Veo María').
Why it's hard for English speakers
The personal 'a' has no English equivalent — English never marks a person object. And a/de/en don't map one-to-one to English prepositions.
Core uses
| Prep. | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| a | direction / time | Voy a Madrid. / A las dos. |
| de | origin / possession | Soy de Perú. / el coche de Ana |
| en | location | Estoy en casa. |
Examples
- Voy a la escuela.I go to school.
- El libro es de Juan.The book is Juan's.
- Vivo en Madrid.I live in Madrid.
- Busco a mi hermana.I'm looking for my sister. (personal a)
Common mistakes
- Veo MaríaVeo a MaríaPersonal 'a' before a specific person.
- Soy en PerúSoy de PerúOrigin → de (with ser).
Practice
Exercises: 0 / 0 correct
I go to the park = Voy ___ el parque.
Busco ___ mi amigo.
I'm from Spain = Soy ___ España.
Estoy ___ casa.