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"Not to" is a phrase which is often translated as "por no", and "to" is a preposition which is often translated as "a". Learn more about the difference between "not to" and "to" below.
not to(
nat
tu
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (without)
a. por no
The expedition will be risky, not to mention the cost!La expedición será arriesgada, ¡por no hablar del costo!
a. no
Lara's parents warned her not to go to a party where she didn't know anyone.Los padres de Lara le advirtieron que no fuera a una fiesta donde no conocía a nadie.
b. no quiero
Not to be mean, but Mary really should do something with her hair.No quiero ser mala pero a Mary le vendría bien un corte de pelo nuevo.
to(
tu
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
2. (as far as)
a. hasta
I would run to your house right now just to see you!¡Correría hasta tu casa ahora mismo solo para verte!
a. por
The birth ratio is 107 boys to 100 girls.La proporción de nacimientos es de 107 niños por 100 niñas.
9. (in toasts)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I learned to drive when I was 17.Aprendí a manejar a los 17 años.
We need to work faster.Tenemos que trabajar más rápido.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I didn't want to tell you but I felt I had to.No quería decírtelo pero me vi obligada a hacerlo.
It's my party and I'll cry if I want to.Es mi fiesta y lloraré si quiero.
