The preposition a is often used in phrases in Spanish to indicate how something is done, or in which style.
Spanish preposition "a" for means/tools
The preposition is followed by a singular noun. For example:
Note that not all means of transport use the preposition a (en avión, a avión, en tren, a tren...)
Spanish preposition "a" for denoting abruptness
Used generally with a plural noun. For example:
Spanish preposition "a" to express how an action is carried out or how it unfolds, sometimes expressing intensity.
Used generally with a plural noun. For example:
Íbamos caminando a ciegas porque perdimos las linternas.We were walking blindly because we lost our torches.
Spanish preposition "a": using a + lo / la + adjective/noun
This is generally referring to something that is generally established as a specific way of doing something, imitating a certain way/style. It is often seen with nationality adjectives, and it is very common when talking about cooking styles. For example:
Hoy vamos a hacer una cena rápida, cocinaré unas tortillas a la francesa y una ensalada.Today we are having a quick dinner, I'll cook some simple omelettes (French-style omelettes [not Spanish tortillas]) and a salad.
El pulpo a la gallega es sin duda mi plato español preferido.Galician-style octopus is undoubtedly my favourite Spanish dish.
Note that when we say that something is done in a certain style the way a specific celebrity does/did, it is always "a lo" (not a la) even if the celebrity is female. For example:
Have a look at this list of adverbial manner expressions using different prepositions.
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Examples and resources
La multitud consiguió salir de allí a empujones.The crowd managed to get out by pushing and shoving.
Íbamos caminando a ciegas porque perdimos las linternas.We were walking blindly because we lost our torches.
Se bebió la botella de whisky a tragos. Estaba muy borracho.He gulped down the bottle of whisky. He was very drunk.
Mis padres celebraron sus bodas de plata a lo grande. Invitaron a 300 personas.My parents celebrated their silver wedding anniversary in style. They invited 300 people.
Tendrás que ir a pie porque hoy no hay autobuses.You will have to go on foot as there are no buses today.
Esa chica lleva un peinado de los 50, a lo (a la) Marilyn Monroe.That girl has a '50s hairdo, like Marilyn Monroe.
Subió al escenario y se puso a cantar a lo Elvis Presley. Lo hizo fenomenal.He went onstage and started to sing like Elvis Presley. He nailed it.
Hoy vamos a hacer una cena rápida, cocinaré unas tortillas a la francesa y una ensalada.Today we are having a quick dinner, I'll cook some simple omelettes (French-style omelettes [not Spanish tortillas]) and a salad.
