When we use "a"

Question

"La mujer está visitando paris" and "La chica está visitando a su amiga"

When we use "a" in these kind of sentences?Im a little bit confused about usage of "a". Please sb explain it to me Thanks

Answer 1

In this case it's called the personal 'a' and goes in front of the 'direct object' in a sentence when it is a person (or sometimes a pet if it's considered to be part of the family jeje).

Here's a lesson on direct objects if you're unsure what they are.

And here's one on the personal 'a' and another on other times that the 'a' is used in Spanish.

Good answer, Kiwi! - Noetol, Jan 21, 2013

Thanks Noetol :) - Kiwi-Girl, Jan 21, 2013

tnx kiwi - kimi-s, Jan 21, 2013

el placer es mío kimi - any time :) - Kiwi-Girl, Jan 21, 2013

Answer 2

But you do not use it after the verb "tener": Ella tiene tres niños (she has three children). Also not used if the person(s) is/are not definite: Esta tienda falta empleados (this store lacks employees).

Good points, that info is in the article but you're right, good to mention it here :) - Kiwi-Girl, Jan 21, 2013