"abandona a su marido" why is tha "a" present and is it really needed

Question

hi i am just starting to learn spanish and i was reading a headline in a paper which read "abandona a su marido" i know that it means "leaves her husband" but is it necessary to have the "a" in the sentence or does it make any difference. If anyone could explain to mt why the "a" is used in this instance that would be great. Thanks

Welcome to the Forum, Alanreen. Please note for future reference that correct capitalization, punctuation, and grammar are required on this site. - Gekkosan, Jul 25, 2010

Since it is a lerning forum, people learn as much from the way native speakers write, as from the questions and answers posted. Thanks! - Gekkosan, Jul 25, 2010

Answer 1

Hola alareen...

I believe this is the 'personal a'.

It is most definitely needed in Spanish!

I am sure someone else can give you a proper and more thorough explanation of the reasons why it is used and when to use it but I will give you what little advice I have!

I did not understand the point of using it until someone explained to me that I should imagine the 'personal a' as putting a 'respectful distance' between people.

I do not mean it is only to be used in a formal sense (like with usted), but the idea helped me understand when to use it.

So if I was to 'do' something to someone else, I would have to use 'the personal a'.

For example:

Llamo a María. I call Maria.

Here I use 'the personal a' to put a 'respectful distance' between me and Maria.

If I just said...

Llamo María - (literal and incorrect translation of 'I call Maria')

It would be wrong and a Spanish speaker would notice.

I hope this actually helps and doesn't confuse you more!

Answer 2

Hi, alanreen, welcome.

I am a beginner too but I think this is an instance of the "personal a." In Spanish all direct objects referring to a person or pet animal must be preceded by "a" which does not translate into English but is required for correct Spanish.

It is not used for direct objects referring to inanimate objects or wild animals or livestock.

I recall an explanation that it is used to show respect to persons or to animals we love as persons.

I think this is right but please correct me, someone, if I am wrong.