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"O" is a conjunction which is often translated as "or", and "a" is a preposition which is often translated as "to". Learn more about the difference between "o" and "a" below.
o, la o(
oh
)A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
a. either...or
Terminarás tu tarea o por las buenas o por las malas.You're going to finish your homework either the easy way or the hard way.
3. (otherwise)
a. or
La residencia del presidente de los Estados Unidos, o Casa Blanca, fue construida en 1790.The residence of the President of the United States, or the White House, was built in 1790.
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
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.
