Translating "to" in certain phrases

Question

Hello, I have some trouble knowing when to translate 'to' or when it's not even needed. I know that a lot of verbs have 'to' embedded with them, or even require different prepositions all together (like the phrase "I need to" = "necesito que"). But here are some phrases that hopefully someone can correct for me? My main trouble is the "to", I don't know if I should just use 'a' or what. Thank you!

• Sentence: It's hard to understand Spanish when people speak quickly.

• Intento: Es difícil a entender español cuando gente habla rápido (o rápidamente?). *side question, I know in English a lot of people say "speak fast" although the correct word to use would be an adverb, "quickly". Is this the case with Spanish? I feel like "habla rápido" sounds more natural but grammar dictates it should be "habla rápidamente"

• Sentence: I would like to slow-dance to this song with you.

• Intento: Me gustaría bailar lentamente a esta canción contigo.

Gracias otra vez!

Rápido can be used interchangeably with rápidamente. - Daniela2041, Apr 23, 2015

Thank you for answering that bit, I had a slight feeling it didn't matter because I hear a lot of speakers use rápido as an adverb, just wanted confirmation--gracias! - Jambooflamingo, Apr 23, 2015

Answer 1

The little word "to" is translated many ways in Spanish and at times can be confusing.

First of all "to" is used in English to mark the infinitive of a verb. To sing, to eat, to live, etc.

In Spanish this is accomplished by a suffix on the verb. Cantar, comer, vivir .

Sometimes the little word "a" is used to translate "to"

I'm going to the store. Voy a la tienda

She is not coming to school tomorrow. Ella no viene a la escuela mañana.

What confuses the English speaker is the way that "a" is used when It really doesn't mean anything in English but just has to be there.

Yo asisto a la escuela todos los días. I attend school every day.

Aprendo a hablar hebreo. I am learning to speak Hebrew. (hablar is "to speak" so why the extra "a" ? It's is just that certain verbs require prepositions to follow.

Maríia tiene que estudiar para el examen. Maria has to study for the test.

By the way your example "I need to---necesito que" is incorrect. Necesitar is a verb that doesn't need a prepositionl Spanish is a lot of fun, huh?

This is a long subject which will require you to learn which verbs require following prepositions, and which don't.

I recommend you get a copy of "Panorama Introducción a la lengua española" you can get it cheap on Amazon.com. Any edition will do. I use the fourth edition as a text book in the college classes I teach.

Buena suerte

The following is a list of some of the ones requiring prepositions.

OOPS I mean "I have to" --> "Tengo que!" can't believe I mixed that up. But thank you for the very detailed post!! Most definitely helpful! - Jambooflamingo, Apr 23, 2015

I will be quite happy to answer any of your questions, you're one of the few who come back and leave a comment. Thanks. - Daniela2041, Apr 23, 2015

Excellent post, mi amiga! - jim5489, Apr 23, 2015

Answer 2

podría bailar a esta canción contigo

puedo bailar a esta canción contigo

me gustaría bailar a esta canción contigo

podemos bailar a esta canción juntos?

Answer 3

se me dificulta entender el espanol cuando los nativos de Latino América lo hablan rápidamente

se me dificulta entender el espanol cuando los nativos del latín lo hablan rápidamente

se me dificulta entender el espanol cuando los nativos del español lo hablan rápidamente

Gracias por tus repuestas varias! - Jambooflamingo, Apr 23, 2015