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"Cómo" is a form of "cómo", an adverb which is often translated as "how". "A" is a preposition which is often translated as "to". Learn more about the difference between "a" and "cómo" below.
a, la a(
ah
)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.
cómo(
koh
-
moh
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. how
¿Cómo hiciste para llegar tan rápido?How did you get here so quickly?
No sé cómo se prende este celular.I don't know how you turn on this cell phone.
a. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
¡Uf, cómo pesa esta caja!Gosh, this box is heavy!
¡Cómo me gusta este café!I really like this coffee!
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
a. Sorry?
¿Cómo? Yo tampoco te oigo, debe de ser la línea.Sorry? I can't hear you either, it must be the line.
b. Come again?
Fue rey de Babilonia y su nombre era Nabucodonosor. - ¿Cómo?He was king of Babylon and his name was Nebuchadnezzar. - Come again?
