Preposition "a" in Spanish (to) - general use

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Learn about preposition "a" in Spanish

The basic and general use of the Spanish preposition "a" is to express "to/at" in the following contexts:

Location 

We use "a" to express "to" + a place. It is generally used with verbs that express movement, e.g. ir or viajar.

Vamos a la biblioteca. Tenemos que estudiar.We are going to the library. We have to study.

Cristina va a la playa todos los días.Cristina goes to the beach every day.

Vamos a viajar de Madrid a Nueva York.We are going to travel from Madrid to New York.

Voy a ir al teatro con Miguel.I'm going to go to the theatre with Miguel.

For contraction "al" see Al and Del in Spanish

Time

We use "a" to express the time. For example:

Ella se levanta a las siete.She gets up at seven.

or to indicate the end of a period of time. For example:

Trabajo de lunes a viernes. No trabajo los fines de semana.I work from Monday to Friday. I don't work weekends.

See also Using para (not por) for a destination

There are some verbs that use the preposition "a" in certain constructions - see Spanish personal "a" verbs (ver, visitar, buscar, conocer)

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Examples and resources

Voy a ir al teatro con Miguel.I'm going to go to the theatre with Miguel.
Vamos a la biblioteca. Tenemos que estudiar.We are going to the library. We have to study.
Vamos a viajar de Madrid a Nueva York.We are going to travel from Madrid to New York.
Ella se levanta a las siete.She gets up at seven.
Trabajo de lunes a viernes. No trabajo los fines de semana.I work from Monday to Friday. I don't work weekends.
Cristina va a la playa todos los días.Cristina goes to the beach every day.
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