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"Caro" is an adjective which is often translated as "expensive", and "a" is a preposition which is often translated as "to". Learn more about the difference between "caro" and "a" below.
caro(
kah
-
roh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (costly)
a. expensive
Queríamos comprar un coche nuevo, pero todos son muy caros.We wanted to buy a new car, but they're all so expensive.
b. dear (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Aunque fueran caras, valió la pena comprar estas botas.Even if they were dear, it was worth buying these boots.
2. (literary) (cherished)
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
c. high (adjective)
En esa tienda de perfumes lo venden todo muy caro.Their prices are really high in that perfume shop.
d. dearly
Los que ofendieron al capo van a pagar muy caro su error.Those who offended the capo will pay dearly for their mistake.
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
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Podía respirar a duras penas.He was hardly able to breathe.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¡A fregar los platos!Go do the dishes!
¡A la cama!Off to bed!
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
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.