when does object get "a", e.g. "amo a mi esposa". But "miro la mesa" or "a la mesa"

Question

In a book I am reading I see phrases like "miró a las estellas". I thought only living persons and animals needed the "a" in the accusative

Answer 1

Also for jasmine, have a look at the excellent reference article on the personal a

personal a

Aha! That is precisely the article I had been looking for! Bellator - Bellator, Dec 23, 2011

Answer 2

mirar a las estrellas

If you look in the dictionary for mirar, you will see that it defined as to look at (when transitive) so no "a" would be needed unless the stars are movie stars (estrellas de cine).

miro la mesa; not miro a la mesa

Spanish verbs often are translated with a prepositon built-in. e.g. Buscar can be translated as to search for (no por/para is needed after it).

excelente:) como siempre, que vas a cenar en nochebuena, quentin, anda cuentanoslo en el hilo - 00494d19, Dec 23, 2011

Answer 3

i havent learned this yet, and i was wondering why they did that also but i figured that all the "a" means is to.... a la mesa "to the table" and so on and so forth.... im learning spanish in k12 school on my first year, and i havent heard any rules on this so this is just what im assuming and what makes since to me...hope i helped

Please remember that correct spelling and capitalization are mandatory on this site, welcome to the forum:) - 00494d19, Dec 23, 2011

Answer 4

So I was right that "a" is only used when there is an inanimate object. Actually, this is so basic I was ashamed to ask the question. But in the book I am reading (el Alquimista by Paulo Coelho), I see this rule broken repeatedly. The "estrellas" they are looking at in the desert are clearly not movie stars. I suppose a good author is allowed to break the rules (artistic freedom?). And thank you very much for your reply. From the time indicated I take it you live in South America?