vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Lo" is a pronoun which is often translated as "it", and "con él" is a phrase which is often translated as "with him". Learn more about the difference between "lo" and "con él" below.
lo(
loh
)A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
a. it
¿Qué hago con el lomo de cerdo? - Cocínalo despacio.What should I do with the pork loin? - Cook it slowly.
b. him
¿Te dije que me encontré a Jonás durante las vacaciones? Lo vi en Roma.Did I tell you I bumped into Jonas over break? I saw him in Rome.
c. you
Lo admiro, señor Presidente. Usted es todo un héroe para este país.I admire you, Mr. President. You're a hero to this country.
2. (possessive)
A definite article is a word that identifies a noun as specific or known to the speaker (e.g., the girl).
a. no direct translation (before an adjective)
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Lo raro es que nunca he visto a Bruce durante el día.The weird thing is that I've never seen Bruce during the day.
No te puedes imaginar lo increíble que es Palenque.You can't imagine how incredible Palenque is.
con él(
kohn
ehl
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. with him
Tenemos que hablar con Ernesto. Creo que deberían venir sus padres con él.We need to talk to Ernesto. I think his parents should come with him.
a. to him
Habla con él. Ya verás como todo se arregla.Talk to him. It will all get sorted out, you'll see.
b. with it (with a thing)
El karma puede fastidiarte la vida, así que mejor que no te metas con él.Karma can ruin your life, so you'd better not mess with it.
