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"Al" is a form of "al", a contraction which is often translated as "to the". "A" is a preposition which is often translated as "to". Learn more about the difference between "a" and "al" below.
a, la a()
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
a. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
Podía respirar a duras penas.He was hardly able to breathe.
a. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
¡A fregar los platos!Go do the dishes!
¡A la cama!Off to bed!
a. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
Me encantaría ganar dinero a espuertas.I would love to earn lots of money.
Llovía a cántaros.It was pouring.
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
An abbreviation is the shortened form of a word or group of words (e.g., "UFO" = "unidentified flying object"; "p." = "page").
a. A
El circuito transporta una corriente de 1 A.The circuit carries a current of 1 A.
La intensidad de la corriente eléctrica se mide en A.The intensity of an electric current is measured in A.
al()
A contraction is a shortened form of a word or group of words made by omitting a sound or letter (e.g., don't).
b. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
¿Cuánto tardas en ir al trabajo?How long does it take you to go to work?
Este año no viajaremos al extranjero.We won't be going abroad this year.
b. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
Súbete al muro para ver mejor.Get up on the wall to get a better view.
Se subió al coche y se fue.He got in the car and left.
b. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
Me gusta hacer ejercicio al aire libre.I like exercising outdoors.
Nos sentamos al fondo de la sala.We sat at the back of the room.
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
a. when
Al decirle que tenía que ponerse a trabajar, Josué se enfadó mucho con su hermana.When she told him he needed to get to work, Josue got really mad at his sister.
b. as
Al no poder encontrar trabajo, Mark decidió emigrar.As he couldn't find a job, Mark decided to emigrate.
c. by
Al nombrarme vocero del movimiento, Carlos me dejó ver que confía en mí.By appointing me spokesman of the movement, Carlos let me know he trusts me.
