The Personal “a” A preposition that is used ONLY when an action is directed towards a person/pet. It is a formality that doesn’t exist in the English language and doesn’t translate to English.
In order to properly use the personal “a” you need to first find out what the direct object of the verb is. (espera, que es un objeto directo?!?)
A direct object is a thing or person that receives the direct action of the verb. I eat the tamales. Yo como los tamales. Óscar kisses his wife. Óscar besa a su esposa.
Notice that direct objects that are people or domesticated animals (and sometimes personified things) are signaled by the personal a. Ó scar kisses his wife. Óscar besa a su esposa. I walk my dog every morning. Paseo a mi perro todas las mañanas.
Ó scar has a very pretty wife. Óscar tiene una esposa muy bonita. We’re looking for an efficient secretary. Buscamos una secretaria eficiente. Generally, the personal a is not used after the verb tener. Nor is it used with a direct object that is an unspecified or indefinite person.
How to use it: ◦ Decide if a person/pet is receiving the action of the verb ◦ Insert the “a” just before the person/pet an action is done to. ◦ Change it to “al” if the word “el” comes before the person/pet mentioned. (…al padre de mi amigo) ◦ Place it in front of quién when asking a question about who an action is done to. (“A quien necesito dar la tarea?”
Decide whether or not you need to use the personal “a” 1. Sra. Veigel, Escucha _______ musica latina? 2. Miras tu _______ los debates de Obama y Romney? 3. Conoces tu _______ mi amiga, Josefina? 4. Yo no conozco _______ la ciudad de Houston. 5. ____ quien conocen ustedes en la clase de arte? 6. _____ quien tiene mi cuaderno? 7. Mi abuelo conoco _____ el Presidente de Mexico.