Oler with the preposition "a"

Céline C.A2Kwiziq community member

Oler with the preposition "a"

Hello,

I noticed that oler seems to be sometimes built with the preposition "a" before introducing the smell of something, such as in:

Tú hueles a perfume fresco. 

or

Las galletas huelen a chocolate.

So I thought it was used in the meaning of "smelling like something", when the subject themselves smells like something. But then I also noticed it in ¿Vosotros oléis a pollo quemado?".

So is the "a" used rather when the smell has no article? What is the rule (if any)?

Thank you!

Asked 2 years ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hola Céline

If you scroll down on this thread you will see the answer to your question (check answer given to Emmanuel)

Saludos

Céline C.A2Kwiziq community member

Ok, I checked down. Then, from my understanding "¿Vosotros oléis a pollo quemado?" means "Do you smell like burnt chicken?" rather than "Can you smell burnt chicken", which would be "¿Vosotros oléis pollo quemado?", correct?

Céline C. asked:

Oler with the preposition "a"

Hello,

I noticed that oler seems to be sometimes built with the preposition "a" before introducing the smell of something, such as in:

Tú hueles a perfume fresco. 

or

Las galletas huelen a chocolate.

So I thought it was used in the meaning of "smelling like something", when the subject themselves smells like something. But then I also noticed it in ¿Vosotros oléis a pollo quemado?".

So is the "a" used rather when the smell has no article? What is the rule (if any)?

Thank you!

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