PERSONAL A

The personal “A”  is only used in Spanish.  Usually the word “a” in Spanish means to but not in this case.  There is actually no translation for the personal “A” in English.  The “A” is inserted before the person, animal or thing in the sentence if it is a definite or specific person, animal or thing that is being spoken about.

Examples

Busco a mis zapatos.   I look for MY shoes.

Busco los zapatos.  I look for THE shoes.

Miro a mi hermana.  I look at MY sister.

Miro la casa.  I look at THE house.

The personal “A” is NOT used with SER (to be), TENER (to have), or HAY  (there is or there are).