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"Lo" is a pronoun which is often translated as "it", and "les" is a pronoun which is often translated as "them". Learn more about the difference between "lo" and "les" 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.
les(
lehs
)A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
a. them
Vi a unos niños haciendo fuego en un solar. - ¿Puedes describirles?I saw some boys light a fire in a vacant lot. - Can you describe them?
3. (second person plural; indirect object) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
4. (formal) (second person plural; direct object) (Spain)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
Regionalism used in Spain
a. you
Alicia irá con ustedes para familiarizarles con nuestras instalaciones.Alicia will accompany you to familiarize you with our facilities.