How to Say To in Spanish

Last Updated: June 14, 2021 References

While the Spanish “a” is the most common translation of the English “to,” there are times when other Spanish words are equally correct if not more so. Here are some of the most common ways to say “to” in Spanish, along with information about when to use them.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using "A"

1
Use "a" for movement and destinations. When the English "to" is synonymous for "toward," the Spanish "a" is the most suitable translation. It is also the most suitable when someone is going to a certain destination.^{[1]
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- Example: to go to Spain
- Translation: ir a" España
- Example: to go to the library
- Translation: ir a la biblioteca
2
Stick with "a" when expressing indirect objects. When an action is done to another person or something is given to another person, the "to" used in reference to the other person or indirect object of the sentence is usually translated to "a."^{[2]
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- Example: Maria gave the book to her brother.
- Translation: Maria dio el libro a su hermano.
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3
Express a proportion or ratio with “a.” When "to" is used in a numerical proportion, translate it to "a."
- Example: He won with a vote of three to one.
- Translation: Ganó con un voto de tres a uno.
4
Define relationships and comparisons with "a." When one object is described in relation or comparison to another object, translate the "to" to "a."
- Example: the book to the left of the lamp
- Translation: el libro a la izquierda de la lámpara
5
Explain intention with "a." In expressions using "to" to describe someone's intentions, translate the word to "a."
- Example: He went to study.
- Translation: Se fue a estudiar.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using "Hasta"

1
Use "hasta" when meaning “until.” In expressions for which "to" actually means "until," "hasta" is the most accurate translation.^{[3]
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- Example: to the end of the week
- Translation hasta el final de la semana
2
Translate "up to" as "hasta." If a condition is true up to a certain point, use hasta.^{[4]
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- Example: to study up to the next exam
- Translation: estudiar hasta el siguiente examen

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using "Hacia"

1
Use "hacia" to express movement. Hacia can also be used in expressions when "to" stands for "towards."^{[5]
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- Example: to the left
- Translation: hacia la izquierda
2
Define a recipient of action with "hacia." If an attitude or action is performed to someone or something, "hacia" can be used.
- Example: She is hostile to her sister.
- Translation: Es hostil hacia su hermana.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Less Common Translations

1
Opt for "sobre" for "to" conditions meaning "upon." If something is put to or upon something, "sobre" is an appropriate translation.^{[6]
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- Example: to put ink to paper
- Translation: poner tinta sobre papel
2
Use “de” when “to” stands for “of” or “from.” This is true when to indicates possession or defines relationships.^{[7]
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- Example: the secret to success
- Translation: el secreto del éxito
- Example: husband to the queen
- Translation: esposo de la reina
3
Define ratios with "contra." Numerical ratios can be expressed with contra instead of a.
- Example: He won with a vote of three to one.
- Translation: Ganó con un voto de tres contra uno.

Cheat Sheet

Sample Ways to Say To in Spanish

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Community Q&A

Question

How do I say 'bored' in Spanish?

Community Answer

'Bored' in Spanish is 'aburrido'. Something that helps me is remembering it as 'a burrito'.
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How do I ask, "Do you speak Spanish?"

Community Answer

"Hablas espanol?" = do you speak Spanish?
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How would I say "I love you, Janique, from day one"?

Donagan

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Te he amado, Janique, desde el primer día.