Preposition ‘a’ and ‘de’
A preposition is a word that connects the elements of a sentence.
Preposition ‘a’
This is used in a variety of ways:
1. Use the preposition ‘a’ to indicate when an action directs a person, animal or any life form.
– Tú hablas a Luis.
You speak to Luis.
– Encuentro a mis amigos.
I meet my friends.
2. To indicate a direction.
– Lucas camina a la playa.
Lucas walks to the beach.
– Ellos suben a la montaña.
They climb the mountain.
3. After verbs of movement (for example ‘ir’, ‘venir’, ‘volver’ and ‘salir’) and the word that follows it is a name or pronoun.
– Vamos a Guatemala.
We go to Guatemala.
– Vuelvo a América.
I return to America.
4. Contraction.
A + el = al (to the / at the)
– Vamos al cine.
We go to the cinema.
– Vienen al mercado.
They come to the market.
Preposition ‘de’
This is used in a variety of ways:
1. Express origen.
– Miguel es de Cuba.
Miguel is from Cuba.
– Yo soy de Guatemala.
I am from Guatemala.
2. Express possession.
– El perro de María.
Maria’s dog.
– El carro de Guilermo.
Guilermo’s car.
3. Materials that make a thing.
– La bata es de seda.
The robe is made of silk.
– La curry es de pollo.
The curry is chicken.
De + el = del (of the / from the)
– Ellos llegan del estadio.
They come from the stadium.
– Mi amiga sale del salón de belleza.
My friend leaves the beauty salon.