why use 'a' in this?

Question

why do we need to use an 'a' in the following:

conoces a alguien guapo?

if conoces = you know alguien = anyone guapo = cute

then 'conoces alguien guapo' = do you know anyone cute?

I don't understand the need for an extra 'a' here.

Someone explain please.

guapo means handsome - sarahjs, Aug 14, 2009

I corrected a spelling error - 0074b507, Aug 14, 2009

Answer 1

The "a" is what is commonly referred to as the "personal a" , not to be confused with the preposition "to" in phases such as a mí, a ella, etc. It's not translated.

It is used when the d.o. of the sentence is a person or pet (known animal that we have feelings for)

I'll let someone else give you more details because I'm a bit fuzzy on exceptions to that usage.

If the d.o. is a person, but unknown (indefinite) the a is not used.

Busco doctor or busco un doctor. The a is not used even though the d.o. is a person.

Busco a María. the person is known (definite)

using that logic I cannot understand why you say "busco a alguien que...". I don't know alguien. (but you do use the a here [I think]). Let someone else explain why.

Answer 2

Look at Paralee´s post below. Then page down to "personal a"

Personal a

Would you quit sneaking in in front of me? :-) - 0074b507, Aug 14, 2009