al
Lemma Details
Translation: to the; at the
Part of Speech: contraction
Etymology: The word 'al' is a contraction of the Spanish preposition 'a' (to, at) and the masculine definite article 'el' (the). This type of contraction is mandatory in Spanish, unlike in English where contractions are optional. The formation follows a pattern similar to other Romance languages like French ('au' from 'à' + 'le').
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'al' as 'a + el' fused together, just like 'I'll' is 'I will' in English.
- Remember that 'al' only works with masculine singular nouns that use 'el' as their article.
Cultural Context
This contraction is fundamental to Spanish grammar and appears in countless expressions and phrases. It's one of the first contractions Spanish learners encounter and is used in both formal and informal contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'a el' is grammatically incorrect in standard Spanish; the contraction 'al' must be used instead when the preposition 'a' is followed by the masculine article 'el'.
This word:
Voy al cine.
I'm going to the cinema.
Notes: The only exception is when 'el' is part of a proper name, like 'a El Salvador' (to El Salvador).
Mnemonic: If you see 'a' followed by 'el', they must join hands to become 'al'.
Explanation: 'al' is used before masculine singular nouns, while 'a la' is used before feminine singular nouns.
This word:
Voy al parque.
I'm going to the park.
Confused word:
Voy a la playa.
I'm going to the beach.
Notes: Unlike 'a + el', the combination of 'a + la' does not form a contraction in Spanish.
Mnemonic: 'al' for masculine ('el parque'), 'a la' for feminine ('la playa').