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What is a direct object (DO)? Direct Object (DO) = the noun or
pronoun that receives the action of the verb.
Mike hit the ball.
George calls Mary.
He calls her.
In Spanish…
When Direct Object = a person, it is preceded by the preposition “a”
There is no English translation.
El doctor examina a Maria.
The doctor examines Maria.
It is WRONG not to use the personal “a” when it’s called for
You will get the hang of it with practice
Quirky rule: also applies to pets when there is emotional attachment to themThe woman calls her dog.La mujer llama a su perro.
The man sees his cat.El hombre ve a su gato.
Exceptions (of course)
The personal ‘a’ is not used:After TENER (to have) and HAY (there
is/there are)○ TENER: Tengo dos hermanos (no “a”)○ HAY: Hay cinco personas en la sala (no “a”)
When the “person” is an indefinite person○ Necesito médico (I need a doctor)
More exceptions…
ME GUSTA(N), TE GUSTA(N), NOS GUSTA(N)Do NOT use a personal “a” even if what you
like is a person¿Por qué?
Remember that “me gusta” doesn’t translate to “I like.” It translates to “It pleases me.”
So “me” is actually the direct object of the verb—the person you like is not!
Me gusta Esteban.
Try these…
Yo veo __ Juan.
Yo veo a Juan.
Ella escribe ____ Marta.
Ella escribe a Marta.
Tengo ___ tres hijos.
No “a” needed!
¿Por qué?Because although the DO is a person (hijos,
it does not apply after TENER
Mi amigo ve ___ su perro.
Mi amigo ve a su perro.
¿Por qué?Because the dog is a pet.
El médico examina ___ Susana.
El médico examina a Susana.
Dana ve ___ una jirafa.
Dana ve una jirafa. (No “a”)
¿Por qué?The giraffe is not a pet (no personal
feelings).
Me gusta ___ mi perro.
Me gusta mi perro (no A needed).
¿Por qué?
La médica examina ___ la garganta.
La médica examina la garganta.
¿Por qué?“La garganta” is not a person or pet.
Me examina ___ la médica.
Me examina la médica (no “a”)
¿Por qué?The DO is “me,” not “la médica”
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