a los
Lemma Details
Translation: to the (masculine plural)
Part of Speech: preposition
Etymology: This prepositional phrase combines 'a' (from Latin 'ad' meaning 'to' or 'toward') with the masculine plural definite article 'los' (from Latin 'illos'). The contraction 'a' + 'los' remains separate in Spanish, unlike 'a' + 'el' which contracts to 'al'.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'a' as an arrow pointing 'to' something and 'los' as multiple masculine things.
- Remember that unlike 'al' (a + el), 'a los' doesn't contract.
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This is a fundamental prepositional phrase used in everyday Spanish. It's essential for indicating direction, time, or recipients when referring to masculine plural nouns.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'A los' is used with masculine plural nouns, while 'al' is the contraction of 'a' + 'el' used with masculine singular nouns.
This word:
Voy a los parques.
I go to the parks.
Confused word:
Voy al parque.
I go to the park.
Notes: Unlike 'a' + 'el' which contracts to 'al', 'a' + 'los' remains separate as 'a los'.
Mnemonic: 'Los' means 'many', so 'a los' refers to multiple things.
Explanation: 'A los' indicates movement toward or destination, while 'de los' indicates origin or possession.
Notes: Both are common prepositional phrases used with masculine plural nouns but with opposite directional meanings.
Mnemonic: 'A' points to something (destination), 'de' points from something (origin).