a el
Lemma Details
Translation: to the
Part of Speech: preposition
Etymology: This is a contraction of the preposition 'a' (to) and the masculine definite article 'el' (the), which forms 'al'. In Spanish, when the preposition 'a' is followed by the masculine definite article 'el', they combine to form 'al'. This is similar to contractions in other Romance languages, such as French 'au' (à + le) or Italian 'al' (a + il).
Commonality: 100%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Remember that 'a' + 'el' = 'al', just like in English we contract 'I am' to 'I'm'
- Think of 'al' as 'to the' in one compact form
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
This is a fundamental grammatical construction in Spanish. Note that 'a el' is actually incorrect in standard Spanish - it should always be contracted to 'al' when the preposition 'a' precedes the masculine definite article 'el'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Al' means 'to the' (a + el), while 'del' means 'from the' or 'of the' (de + el).
This word:
Voy al parque.
I'm going to the park.
Confused word:
Vengo del parque.
I'm coming from the park.
Notes: Both are contractions that are mandatory in standard Spanish.
Mnemonic: 'Al' starts with 'a' for 'approaching' something, while 'del' starts with 'd' for 'departing' from something.
Explanation: 'Al' is used with masculine singular nouns, while 'a la' is used with feminine singular nouns.
This word:
Voy al cine.
I'm going to the cinema.
Confused word:
Voy a la playa.
I'm going to the beach.
Notes: Unlike 'a + el', the combination 'a + la' does not contract in Spanish.
Mnemonic: Remember that 'el' is for masculine nouns and 'la' is for feminine nouns.