Is "molestar + a + someone" a phrase?

Question

I read a sentence, "¡No molestes a tu compañero!"

I would like to know if the word "a" can be omitted and

if "molestar + a + someone" is a phrase?

Answer 1

Yes, "molestar a alguien" is a phrase. It means "to annoy someone". THe "a" is called the "personal a" and it doesn't have a translation in English, but basically if the subject of a sentence does something to another person, or a pet, you need that there in front of the object. More on that here So, in short, the "a" cannot be omitted.

Great explanation! - francobollo, Jul 1, 2013

I concur. Also it is a very, very common expression. - gringojrf, Jul 3, 2013

Hola, PumpkinCalabaza. Thanks for your good answer and the link. I got it! - joygogo, Jul 4, 2013