The preposition a in Spanish has many translations depending on the context. It could mean to, at or even by. Let’s go through its meanings and uses in this article.

Uses of The Preposition A in Spanish

Let’s have a look at some of its main uses to learn how and when to use it correctly.

A – Movement

The preposition a in Spanish can be used when referring to movement and destination.

Mis tíos van a Perú a celebrar su aniversario de boda

My aunt and uncle will go to Peru to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

En agosto voy al gimnasio todos los días.

In August I go to the gym every day

When the preposition a is used with the definite article el, it becomes al. For example, voy al supermercado (I go to the supermarket). You should use al because a el is always incorrect.

A – Purpose

The preposition a in Spanish is used with infinitives to indicate performing an action for the purpose of something.

Juan no ha venido a vernos porque juega un partido esta tarde.

Juan hasn’t come to see us because he’s playing a game this afternoon.

No fuisteis a la farmacia a comprar los medicamentos porque os olvidasteis.

You didn’t go to the pharmacy to buy medicine because you forgot.

A – How Something is Carried Out

The preposition a in Spanish can also be used when referring to the way something is carried out, for example, in the phrases a mano or a máquina.

Esta falda está pintada a mano. Es preciosa, quiero comprar una.

This skirt is hand painted. It’s beautiful, I want to buy one.

Este vestido es de seda, no se puede lavar a máquina.

This dress is made of silk, you can’t wash it by washing machine.

A or Con

Don’t forget the preposition con is also used when referring to the instrument or tool you use to perform an action.

Mario picó las cebollas con el cuchillo. Está preparando una salsa para la pasta.

Mario chopped up the onions with the knife. He is making a sauce for the pasta.

Abre las latas de atún con el abrelatas nuevo y las vacía con una cuchara.

He opens the tuna cans with the new can opener, and he empties them with a spoon.

A – On Foot, On Horseback

The preposition a in Spanish can be used to indicate getting to a location on foot or by riding a horse.

Hoy voy al trabajo a pie. No hago deporte y me siento mal por eso.

I am walking to work today. I do not do any sports and I feel bad about that.

Fuimos a caballo a casa de mi abuela. Es un paseo muy agradable.

We went to my granny’s house by horse. It is a very pleasant stroll.

A or En

Be aware that the rest of the means of transport takes the preposition en. For example, when you travel by bike, you say en bicicleta.

AEN
a pie
a caballo		en bicicleta
en autobús
en coche
en avión
en tren

Ir a los sitios en tren es una nueva tendencia en Italia.

Going places by train is a new trend in Italy.

Mi madre va al trabajo en bicicleta. Mi padre, en cambio, va en coche.

My mother goes to work by bicycle. My father, on the other hand, goes by car.

A – Price

A can also be used when talking about price.

Nuestra cuñada compró huevos en el mercado a dos euros la docena.

Our sister-in-law bought eggs at the market at two euros a dozen.

En esa pastelería venden el trozo de tarta a cuatro euros.

In that pastry shop, they sell a slice of cake for four euros.

The questions you can use to ask the price is ¿a cuánto está? or ¿cuánto es?

¿A cuánto está el kilo de cebollas? Necesito tres kilos.

How much is a kilogram of onions? I need three kilograms.

¿Cuánto es una docena de huevos en el mercado?

How much is a dozen of eggs at the market?

A – Recipient

Probably one of the most popular uses of the Spanish preposition a is to indicate the person who receives an action.

El dueño del taller es maravilloso, incluso da consejos a los clientes.

The owner of the repair shop is wonderful, he even gives advice to customers.

Su hermana está encantada de ver a su artista favorito en persona.

His sister is delighted to see her favorite artist in person.

A – Time

Finally, the preposition a in Spanish can also indicate the time of the day when something takes place.

Tienes que ir al dentista mañana. Tienes cita a las 5.

You have to go to the dentist’s tomorrow. You have an appointment at 5:00 p.m.

Sara dice que el espectáculo comienza a las 8 de la tarde.

Sara says that the show starts at 8:00 p.m.

Exercises

This article was written to help you understand how and when to use the preposition a in Spanish. In our blog, you can also review when to use con, por or para. Now let’s do some exercises to practice the use of a.

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

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PrepositionsGrammar