Spanish personal "a" verbs (ver, visitar, buscar, conocer)

Learn about Spanish personal a verbs

In Spanish there are some transitive verbs (verbs that have a direct object) and depending on if the object is inanimate (a thing) or animate (a person/animal), the verb works slightly different.

Have a look at these examples:

Notice how in the first example where the object is a thing (la televisión) there is no preposition "a" between the verb and the object. However in the second example, the object is a person (Miguel), therefore the verb needs preposition "a" before the object.

Let's see other verbs that need the preposition "a":

Spanish verb Visitar (to visit)

Notice how in the second example visitar needs preposition "a" as the direct object is a person (la abuela).

 Spanish verb Buscar (to look for)

Notice how on the second example buscar needs preposition "a" as the direct object is a pet (mi gata).

 Spanish verb Conocer (to know)

Notice how in the second example conocer needs the preposition "a" as the direct object is the speaker's cousin.

You will also find a "personal a" in front of indefinite pronouns which refer to people (e.g alguien, nadie...)

See also Personal "a" verbs in Spanish