a nosotros
Lemma Details
Translation: to us; for us
Part of Speech: prepositional pronoun
Etymology: This prepositional phrase combines the preposition 'a' (to, for) with the first-person plural pronoun 'nosotros' (we, us). 'A' comes from Latin 'ad' (to, toward), while 'nosotros' derives from Latin 'nos' (us) + 'otros' (others), literally meaning 'us others' to distinguish from the exclusive 'we'.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'a' as 'to' and 'nosotros' as 'us' = 'to us'
- Remember that 'nos' is the shortened version used as an object pronoun, while 'a nosotros' is the full prepositional form
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish, prepositional pronouns like 'a nosotros' are used after prepositions, whereas object pronouns like 'nos' are used directly with verbs. The feminine form 'a nosotras' is used when referring to an all-female group.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Nos' is the object pronoun form of 'nosotros', used directly with verbs, while 'a nosotros' is the prepositional form used after prepositions or for emphasis.
This word:
El profesor habla a nosotros específicamente.
The professor is speaking specifically to us.
Confused word:
El profesor nos habla.
The professor speaks to us.
Notes: In many cases, 'a nosotros' is used alongside 'nos' for emphasis or clarity: 'A nosotros nos gusta' (We like).
Mnemonic: 'A nosotros' is longer and more emphatic, like saying 'TO US' with emphasis.
Explanation: 'A nosotros' typically means 'to us' (direction, recipient), while 'para nosotros' means 'for us' (benefit, purpose).
Confused word:
Compró regalos para nosotros.
He bought gifts for us.
Notes: Sometimes the distinction between 'a' and 'para' can be subtle and depends on context.
Mnemonic: 'A' is shorter and indicates direction (to), while 'para' is longer and indicates purpose (for).