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"Este" is a form of "este", a noun which is often translated as "east". "A" is a preposition which is often translated as "to". Learn more about the difference between "este" and "a" below.
el este, este(
ehs
-
teh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
2. (direction)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. eastern
La zona este de la ciudad tiene unos restaurantes excelentes.The eastern part of the city has some excellent restaurants.
b. east
El lado este de la bahía es el lugar perfecto para nadar.The east side of the bay is the perfect place for swimming.
c. easterly
Es mejor ir en dirección este si quieres evitar el bosque.It's better to go in an easterly direction if you want to stay clear of the forest.
a. this
Este año acabo la universidad.I finish university this year.
Esta libreta no es mía.This notebook isn't mine.
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
a. this
Este no es el plato que pedí.This is not the meal I ordered.
Esta no es la camisa que quería.This is not the shirt I wanted.
b. this one
Me voy a llevar este; el gorro chico no me queda.I'm going to take this one; the small hat doesn't fit me.
¿Qué falda te gusta más? - Esta es muy bonita.Which skirt do you like better? - This one is really pretty.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
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.
