Pesonal "a"

Question

I thought I was told that you only use the personal "a" when you're referring to people or pets. But then I saw this sentence:

"No permitas a los mosquitoes ni las moscas entrar en la tienda de acampar."

The last time I checked nobody keeps flys or mosquitoes as pets. Can anyone help me out on this one?

Answer 1

You could also say "No permitas que entren a los mosquitos ni a las moscas a la tienda de acampar."

You´re right. They´re definitely not pets!

Another day of foolishness on my part. I´ll fix it - 005faa61, May 9, 2011

Answer 2

"Los mosquitos" (not mosquitoes, like in English) is the indirect object here, so the "a" has nothing to do with the personal one of the direct ones.

Just try to read "mosquitoes" in Spanish, hehe.

I'm a little confused. If the "a" has nothing to do with the personality of "las moscas y los mosquitos," then with what. Certainly it can't be simply to precede "entrar". I really feel strongly that JulianChivi's answer is correct. Convince me. - keithgoblue, May 10, 2011

Answer 3

Your "rule" is also too simplistic. There are major exceptions.

If the direct object is an indefinite person, the personal "a" is not used. The result is that the person becomes "depersonalized."

• Necesito médico.
• I need (any) doctor. (or)
• I need medical assistance.  
• Necesito jardinero.
• I need (any) gardener. (or)
• I need someone to tend my garden.

The personal "a" is not used after the verb tener, or the verb form hay. This is true even if the direct object is a person.

• Tengo dos hermanos. (tener)
• I have two brothers.  
• Hay cinco chicas. (hay)
• There are five girls.

The rule doesn't apply here. The mosquitoes are the indirect object! - lazarus1907, May 9, 2011

Good point,Q, but there are exceptions to this as well, ie: "Mi amor, me tienes por toda la vida" and "Mi amor, tienes a mí por toda la vida" - 005faa61, May 9, 2011

Answer 4

The personal "a" is not used after the verb tener, or the verb form hay. This is true even if the direct object is a person.

... unless you add a "predicativo":

Tengo a mi madre enferma.