half distance

A n. (pl. halves)

1 metà; mezzo: ( The) half of eight is four, la metà di otto è quattro; Two halves make a whole, due mezzi fanno un intero; in half, a metà: She cut the apple in half, ha tagliato la mela a metà; He wants half (of) the money [the profits], vuole la metà del denaro [dei profitti]; Half (of) the people I met, la metà della gente che incontrai; The film isn't half as good as the original play, il film non è bello neanche la metà (o vale molto meno) della commedia originale; the latter half, la seconda metà

2 ( calcio, rugby, ecc., = halfback) mediano; laterale; giocatore di fascia

3 (fam., = half-pint) mezza pinta: A half of bitter, please!, mezza pinta di birra amara, per favore!

4 ( fino al 1985; halfpenny) mezzo penny

5 semestre ( mezzo anno scolastico, finanziario, ecc.)

6 ( sport) tempo: first [second] half, primo [secondo] tempo: DIALOGO → - Discussing football- They played okay in the first half, hanno giocato bene nel primo tempo NOTA D'USO: - time e tempo-

7 ( sport) metà campo: to receive the ball in one's own half, ricevere un passaggio nella propria metà campo

8 ( sport: calcio, ecc.) girone: first half of the football season, girone di andata del campionato di calcio

9 (trasp.) biglietto a metà prezzo ( per bambini e cani)

B a.

1 mezzo; semi-; (la) metà (di): a half length, una mezza lunghezza; a half share, una mezza parte; una metà; half a pound, mezza libbra; half an hour [a mile], mezz'ora [mezzo miglio]; a half-hour [half-mile, half-day], mezz'ora [mezzo miglio, mezza giornata]; He wastes half his time, spreca metà del suo tempo; half lustre, semilucido

2 incompleto; imperfetto; (fatto) a metà; mezzo: a half smile, un mezzo sorriso

3 (fam., dicendo le ore) e mezza: half eight [nine], le otto [nove] e mezza

C avv.

1 a mezzo; a metà; mezzo: The chicken was only half cooked, il pollo era cotto soltanto a metà; half dead, mezzo (o quasi) morto; stanco morto; half educated, che ha poca istruzione; (fam.) I was half convinced, ero mezzo convinto; half past two [three], le due [le tre] e mezza

2 (fam.) fino a un certo punto; quasi: I half wish I had gone with them, vorrei quasi essere andato con loro

● ( un tempo) half a crown, mezza corona (1/8 di sterlina) □ half-and-half, (agg.) mezz'e mezzo; (avv.) metà e metà; (sost.) (arc.) miscela di birra chiara e birra scura; ( USA) miscela di latte e panna □ (scherz.) bisessuale □ half-and-half policy, politica delle mezze misure (o del compromesso) □ (geom.) half-angle, semiangolo □ (volg. ingl.) half-arsed, incompetente, inefficiente, mediocre; goffo, malfatto □ half as much, la metà: He ate half as much as me, ha mangiato la metà di me □ half as much again, una volta e mezza; il 50% in più: Our company produces half as much again as our main rival, la produzione della nostra azienda è una volta e mezza quella della nostra maggiore concorrente □ (volg. USA) half-assed = half-arsed ► sopra □ half-baked, cotto a metà, mezzo crudo; (fig.) incompleto; difettoso; immaturo; sciocco: a half-baked scheme, un piano incompleto (o che non sta in piedi); half-baked ideas, idee sciocche □ half-ball ( stroke), ( biliardo) colpo a mezza bilia; ( golf, ecc.) colpo a mezza palla □ half-binding, rilegatura in mezza pelle (o in mezza tela) □ half-blood, parentela (o parente) per parte di un solo genitore; (antiq. o offensivo) meticcio, meticcia; ( di cavallo) mezzosangue □ half-blooded, parente per parte di un solo genitore; ( d'uomo, antiq. o offensivo) di razza mista; ( d'animale) ibrido, bastardo □ ( sport: a Oxford e Cambridge) half-blue, sostituto, rimpiazzo □ (tur.) half board, mezza pensione: half-board accommodation, sistemazione a mezza pensione □ half-boot, stivaletto; stivale al polpaccio □ ( di libro) half-bound, rilegato in mezza pelle (o in mezza tela) □ half-bred, di sangue misto; meticcio, bastardo □ (antiq. o offensivo) half-breed, persona di sangue misto; meticcio, meticcia □ half-brother, fratellastro □ (antiq. o offensivo) half-caste, (sost.) persona di sangue misto; meticcio, meticcia; (agg.) di sangue misto, meticcio □ (fon.) half-closed, semichiuso □ (mil.) half cock, mezzo cane, cane alzato per metà ( d'arma da fuoco): to go off at half cock (o half-cocked) sparare a mezzo cane; (fig.) scattare anzitempo, agire o parlare troppo presto (e fallire) □ half-cocked, ( d'arma da fuoco) a mezzo cane; (fig.) prematuro, avventato; male preparato; goffo; sciocco □ half-cooked, mezzo cotto □ ( basket, tennis, ecc.) half-court line, linea di metà campo □ ( un tempo) half crown = half a crown ► sopra □ ( nelle corse) half distance, metà gara □ ( pallanuoto) half distance line, linea di metà campo □ half dollar, ( USA) mezzo dollaro □ half (a) dozen, mezza dozzina; ( per indicare genericamente un numero esiguo anche) cinque o sei □ half-duplex, (telef.) semiduplex; (comput.) half-duplex ( comunicazione che avviene in un solo verso alla volta) □ (ferr., ecc.) half-fare ticket, biglietto a tariffa ridotta □ half-finished, finito a metà □ (ind.) half-finished product, (prodotto) semilavorato □ half-grown, a metà dello sviluppo □ (bot.) half-hardy ► hardy (1) □ half-hearted, fiacco; flebile; tiepido (fig.); poco convinto; svogliato: a half-hearted attempt, un fiacco (o timido) tentativo; un tentativo poco convinto □ half-heartedly, con scarso entusiasmo; svogliatamente; con scarsa convinzione □ half-heartedness, mancanza di entusiasmo; fiacchezza; scarsa convinzione □ (naut.) half-hitch, mezzo collo ( nodo) □ half-holiday, mezza festa □ half-hose, calza corta; calzino □ half-hourly, (agg.) di mezzora; che avviene (passa, ecc.) ogni mezzora; (avv.) ogni mezzora □ half-inch, mezzo pollice (misura inglese di lunghezza: cfr. inch /1/, def. 1) □ half-length, di metà lunghezza; ( di quadro) a mezzo busto; (sost.) mezza figura, mezzobusto □ half-lie, mezza bugia □ (scient.) half-life, tempo di dimezzamento; emivita; semivita □ half-light, mezza luce; semioscurità; penombra □ (geom.) half-line, semiretta □ ( sport) half-marathon, mezza maratona □ half mast, posizione di mezz'asta ( di una bandiera): at half-mast, a mezz'asta; (GB scherz.) (di cravatta, ecc.) penzolante □ ( di bandiera) half-mast high, a mezz'asta □ (fam.) half-masters, calzoni a mezza gamba; calzoni che si sono fatti corti □ half measures, mezze misure; compromessi □ half moon, mezza luna; (astron.) semilunio; ( per estens.) oggetto a mezzaluna □ half-moon, (fatto) a mezzaluna □ half mourning, mezzo lutto □ half-naked, seminudo □ (mus., USA) half-note, minima □ (fam.) the half of it, metà della storia: That is only the half of it, questa è solo metà della storia; But you don't know the half of it, ma questa non è che una parte della storia; ma questo è solo l'inizio □ (fon.) half-open, semiaperto □ (ind., mil.) half pay, mezza paga □ half pint, mezza pinta; (fig. fam.) tappo, mezza tacca, mezza cartuccia □ ( sport) half-pipe ► half pipe □ (geom.) half-plane, semipiano □ half-price, a metà prezzo □ (scult.) half-relief, mezzorilievo □ ( poesia) half-rhyme, rima imperfetta □ (fam. antiq.) half-seas-over, brillo; mezzo ubriaco □ half-sibling, fratellastro; sorellastra □ half-sister, sorellastra □ half-size, ( di capo di vestiario) mezza taglia; ( di scarpa) mezza misura □ half-slip, sottogonna □ half sole, soprassuola □ (stor.) half-sovereign, mezza sovrana ( moneta d'oro ingl.) □ (naut.) half speed ahead!, avanti a mezza forza! □ ( USA) half staff = half mast ► sopra □ (mus., USA) half-step, semitono □ (in GB) half term (= half-term holiday), breve vacanza di metà quadrimestre ( a scuola) □ (archit.) half-timbered, in legno e muratura ( come una casa elisabettiana) □ half-time, orario ridotto ( di lavoro); ( sport) intervallo ( fra due tempi di una partita), «metà partita»: half-time score, punteggio alla fine del primo tempo □ a half-time job, un lavoro «part time»; un lavoro a mezza giornata □ half-timer, chi lavora a mezza giornata; studente lavoratore □ (tipogr.) half-title, occhiello □ half-tone ► halftone □ (spec. mil.) half-track, semicingolato (sost.) □ (spec. mil.) half-tracked, semicingolato (agg.) □ half-truth, mezza verità □ ( sport) half volley, demi-volée; mezza volée □ half-wit, stupido, idiota, imbecille; (psic.) frenastenico □ half-witted, stupido, scemo; (psic.) frenastenico □ half year, semestre □ half-yearly, semestrale; semestralmente □ (fam.) and a half, non plus ultra: That was a party and a half, questa sì che è stata una festa! □ at half strength, (mil. e sport) a ranghi dimezzati; ( anche) diluito al 50% □ (scherz.) one's better half, la propria (dolce) metà ( la moglie o il marito) □ by half, a metà; della metà; (fam., GB) ( con disapprovazione) di gran lunga; davvero: We are planning to reduce fees by half, progettiamo di ridurre le tariffe della metà (o di dimezzare le tariffe); He's too talkative by half, è davvero troppo loquace □ to cry halves, reclamare la metà (di qc.) □ to go halves (o half and half), fare metà e metà; ( nel pagare il conto) fare alla romana; DIALOGO → - Wrong bill- Let's go halves on the bill, facciamo alla romana □ more than half, una buona metà □ (fam.) not half, affatto, del tutto, moltissimo; ( anche) per niente: not half bad, niente male (fam.); ottimo, eccellente; It isn't half windy, altro che se tira vento!; «Did you like the film?» «Not half», «T'è piaciuto il film?» «Eccome!» (o «Altro che!») □ not to do anything (o things) by halves, non lasciare le cose a metà; fare le cose perbene □ (trasp.: negli orari) on the half hour, ogni mezzora; ai trenta (all'1.30, 2.30, ecc.) □ one's other half = one's better half ► sopra □ (prov.) Half a loaf is better than no bread, bisogna prendere quello che passa il convento; qualcosa è meglio di niente □ (prov.) Well begun is half done, chi ben comincia è alla metà dell'opera.

- right half

- half-done

- good distance

1)

а) половина, одна вторая (чего-л.)

- in half

б) половина ( с числительными)

2) половина (чего-л. парного, состоящего из двух частей); один из пары ( о людях)

3) уст. напарник, партнёр; совладелец

4) полугодие, семестр

5) спорт. тайм, половина игрового времени ( в футболе)

6) часть, доля (чего-л.; одна из двух приблизительно равных)

7) разг. полдоллара ( 50 центов); полфунта ( 10 шиллингов)

8) разг. полстопки, полпорции; полпинты; четверть пинты ( половина от полупинты)

9) редк. полуботинок

10) спорт. полузащитник, хавбек (в футболе, регби)

11) спорт. полмили ( на скачках)

12) юр. сторона ( в договорах)

•

- by halves

- half-and-half

- half-baked

- half blood

1) равный половине, одной второй (чего-л.); половинный

2) закрывающий, прикрывающий только половину; доходящий только до половины, середины (чего-л.)

3) половинчатый, неполный, недостаточный

••

1) наполовину; неполностью, недостаточно

2) почти, уже почти

••

- not half

см. half-width

* * *

sport half-distance.

"distance, space; break, breather; break, playtime; interval, pause, cessation, intermission; interlude; half time; relation, terms, footing; intermediate, intermediary; middle"

1 to.

voy a Madrid I'm going to Madrid

me voy al extranjero I'm going abroad

llegó a Buenos Aires/a la fiesta he arrived in Buenos Aires/at the party

2 at (moment).

a las siete at seven o'clock

a los once años at the age of eleven

al caer la noche at nightfall

al oír la noticia se desmayó on hearing the news, she fainted

Llegué al amanecer I arrived at dawn.

3 per, every (frecuency).

40 horas a la semana 40 hours per o a week

tres veces al día three times a day

4 to.

dáselo a Ricardo give it to Ricardo

dile a Ricardo que venga tell Ricardo to come

5 to.

entró a pagar he came in to pay

aprender a nadar to learn to swim

6 by, about to, for.

* * *

► nombre femenino (pl as o aes)

1 (la letra) A, a

► abreviatura

1 ( Alteza) Highness; (abreviatura) H

► abreviatura

1 ( autopista) motorway; (abreviatura) M

► símbolo

1 ( amperio) ampere, amp; (símbolo) A

* * *

1) to

2) into

3) in

4) at

5) on

6) with

* * *

SF = a (=letra) A, a

* * *

a femenino (pl aes) ( read as [a]) the letter A, a

* * *

= for, per, to.

Ex. The fine policy matrix corresponds to the loan policy matrix, cell for cell.

Ex. Indexing can thus be achieved at a detailed level, with often many terms per document, with almost no indexing effort.

Ex. Accessibility to the documents stored in files is an important factor, so the physical storage is important.

----

* a + Adjetivo + escala = on a + Adjetivo + scale.

* a alguna parte = someplace.

* a alta presión = high-pressured, high-pressure.

* a altas horas de la noche = late at night.

* a ambas orillas del Atlántico = on both sides of the ocean, on both sides of the Atlantic.

* a ambos lados de = on either side of.

* a ambos lados del Altántico = on both sides of the ocean, on both sides of the Atlantic.

* a ambos lados de + Lugar = on both sides of + Lugar.

* a años luz de = light years away from.

* a bajas temperaturas = at low temperature.

* a bajo coste = low-cost.

* a bajo costo = low-cost.

* a bajo nivel = low-level.

* a bajo precio = lower-cost, at a low price, on the cheap.

* a base de = in the form of, on a diet of.

* a base de carne = meaty [meatier -comp., meatiest -sup.].

* a base de cometer errores = the hard way.

* a base de errores = the hard way.

* a boca de jarro = at close range.

* a bocajarro = point blank.

* a bombo y platillo = fanfare, with a bang.

* a bordo = aboard, on board ship.

* a bordo de = aboard, onboard.

* a bordo de un barco = shipboard, on board ship.

* a buen recaudo = in a safe place, in safekeeping.

* a caballo = on horseback, astride.

* a caballo entre = astride... and..., midway between.

* a caballo entre... y... = half way between... and....

* a caballo regalado no se le mira el diente = never look a gift horse in the mouth.

* a cada rato = every so often, every now and then, every now and again, every once in a while.

* a cambio = in return.

* a cambio de = in exchange for, in return for.

* a cambio de nada = for nothing.

* a cántaros = cats and dogs.

* a cargo = in the saddle.

* a cargo (de) = charged with, in charge (of), at the helm (of).

* a cargo de Alguien = under supervision.

* a cargo de las riendas = in the saddle.

* a cargo del ayuntamiento = local authority-run.

* a cargo del gobierno = government-operated, government-run.

* a cargo de una sola persona = one-man band.

* a cargo de voluntarios = volunteer-run.

* a chorros = profusely.

* a ciegas = blindfold, blindly, blindfolded, in the dark.

* a ciencia cierta = for sure, for certain.

* a cierta distancia = some distance away.

* a cierta distancia de = off.

* a cierta distancia de la costa = offshore.

* a cierta distancia del litoral = offshore.

* a cobro revertido = reverse charges.

* a color = multi-colour [multi-color -USA].

* a comienzos de + Expresión Temporal = early + Expresión Temporal, the.

* a comienzos de + Fecha = in the early + Fecha, in the early part of + Fecha.

* a comienzos de + Período de Tiempo = by the turn of + Período de Tiempo, at the turn of + Período de Tiempo.

* a conciencia = deliberately, wilfully [willfully, -USA], by design, on purpose.

* a condición de que + Subjuntivo = provided (that), providing (that), as long as.

* a contenido enriquecido = content-enriched.

* a continuación = next, then, in the following, herewith.

* a continuación se enumeran = given below.

* a contracorriente = against the grain.

* a contraluz = against the light.

* a contrapelo = against the grain, against the nap.

* a coro = with one voice, in unison.

* a corto plazo = before very long, short term [short-term], in the short run, short-range, at short notice, in the short term, short-run.

* a costa de = at the cost of, at the expense of, at + Nombre's + expense, at cost of.

* a costa de mucho = at (a) great expense.

* a costa de otro = at someone else's expense.

* a costa de otros = at other people's expense.

* a criterio de = at the discretion of.

* a cualquier hora = anytime, around the clock.

* a cualquier hora del día o de la noche = at any hour of the day or night, at any time of the day or night.

* a cualquier precio = at any cost, at all costs, at any price.

* a cuatro aguas = hipped.

* a cuatro patas = on all fours, on four legs.

* a cuenta de = at the expense of.

* a cuenta de la empresa = at company expense.

* a cuenta de otro = at someone else's expense.

* a cuenta de otros = at other people's expense.

* a cuenta propia = at + Posesivo + expense, at + Posesivo + own expense.

* a cuerpo de rey = the lap of luxury.

* a cuestas = in tow.

* a decir de todos = by all accounts.

* a decir verdad = to tell the truth, if the truth be known, if the truth be told, in all truth, in truth, fact is, the fact is (that), to be fair.

* a decir verdad... = the fact of the matter is that....

* a demanda = pro re nata.

* a deshora(s) = at odd times, out of hours.

* a día de hoy = as of today.

* a diario = every day.

* a diestro y siniestro = like there's no tomorrow.

* a dieta = on a diet.

* a diferencia de = apart from, as opposed to, in contradistinction to, as contrasted with, in contrast (to/with), quite apart from, in sharp contrast (with).

* a diferencia de + Nombre = unlike + Nombre.

* a diferentes niveles = multi-tiered [multitiered], multi-tier [multitier].

* a discreción = at will, no holds barred.

* a disgusto = unwillingly, reluctantly.

* a disposición de = at the disposal of.

* a distancia = remote, remotely, distantly.

* a doble espacio = double-spaced.

* a domicilio = domiciliary.

* ¿a dónde se dirige(n)...? = whither?.

* ¿a dónde va(n)...? = whither?.

* ¿a dónde vas? = quo vadis, whither thou goest.

* a dos niveles = two-tier.

* a dos velas = skint, penniless, broke.

* a duras penas = with great difficulty.

* a efectos de = in terms of, for the purpose of + Nombre.

* a efectos prácticos = to all intents and purposes, for all practical purposes, for all intents and purposes, to all intents.

* a él = him.

* a ellos = them.

* a escala = drawn-to-scale.

* a escala industrial = on an industrial scale, industrial-scale.

* a escala mundial = globally, on a global scale.

* a escala natural = full-scale.

* a escondidas = by stealth, stealthily, furtively, on the quiet, on the sly.

* a eso = thereto.

* a espaldas de = out of sight of.

* a estas alturas = by now.

* a este fin = to this end.

* a este paso = at this rate.

* a este respecto = in this respect.

* a este ritmo = at this rate.

* a estrenar = brand new.

* a examen = under the microscope.

* a excepción de = barring, except for, excepting, other than, with the exception of, short of.

* a excepción de que = except that.

* a excepción de uno = with one exception.

* a expensas de = at the expense of, at + Nombre's + expense.

* a expensas de otro = at someone else's expense.

* a expensas de otros = at other people's expense.

* a + Expresión Temporal = as of + Expresión Temporal.

* a falta de = for want of, in the absence of, in default of, for lack of, short of.

* a favor = in favour.

* a favor de = in favour of.

* a favor de la decisión personal sobre el aborto = pro-choice.

* a favor de la esclavitud = pro-slavery.

* a favor de la raza negra = pro-black [problack].

* a favor de la vida humana = pro-life.

* a favor y en contra = pro and con.

* a + Fecha = as per + Fecha.

* a finales de = by the end of, at the close of + Expresión Temporal.

* a finales de + Expresión Temporal = as of late + Expresión Temporal, at the end of + Expresión Temporal, by the close of + Expresión Temporal.

* a finales de + Fecha = in the late + Fecha, in late + Fecha.

* a finales de los + Década = late + Década, the.

* a finales del + Siglo = late + Siglo, late period of + Siglo.

* a fin de cuentas = at the end of the day, in the end, in the final count, in the grand scheme of things, when all is said and done, after all is said and done.

* a fondo = fully, thoroughly, full-scale.

* a fondo perdido = non-refundable.

* ¡a freír espárragos! = on your bike!.

* a fuerza de = by dint of.

* a fuerza de cometer errores = the hard way.

* a fuerza de errores = the hard way.

* a gas = gas-powered.

* a gatas = on all fours.

* a grandes rasgos = broadly, rough draft.

* a granel = in bulk.

* a gran escala = large scale [large-scale], massive, on a wide scale, high-volume, wide-scale, on a broad scale, in a big way, on a grand scale.

* a gran velocidad = at great speed.

* a grito limpio = at the top of + Posesivo + voice.

* a grito pelado = at the top of + Posesivo + voice.

* a gritos = vociferously.

* a groso modo = crudely.

* a grosso modo = roughly, rough draft.

* a gusto = at ease, at leisure.

* a gusto de = to the liking of, at the pleasure of.

* a horcajadas = astride.

* a hurtadillas = surreptitiously, by stealth, stealthily, furtively, on the sly.

* a imitación de lo clásico = classicising [classicizing, -USA], classicised [classicized, -USA].

* a iniciativa de = at the initiative of.

* a iniciativas del gobierno = government-led.

* a instancia de = at the urging of.

* a instancias de = at the instigation of, at the behest of, under the auspices of.

* a intervalos = at intervals.

* a intervalos + Adjetivo = at + Adjetivo + intervals.

* a intervalos semanales = at weekly intervals.

* a invitación de = at the invitation of.

* a jabón = soapy [soapier -comp., soapiest -sup.].

* a juicio = on trial.

* a juicio público = in the public eye.

* a juzgar por = to judge by, judging by, judging from.

* a la acuarela = water-coloured [water-colored, -USA].

* a la alcaldía = mayoral.

* a la altura de = of the stature of, equal to.

* a la altura de la cintura = waist high, waist deep.

* a la altura de la rodilla = knee-high.

* a la altura de los hombros = shoulder-high.

* a la anchura de los hombros = shoulder-width.

* a la anochecida = at nightfall.

* a la antigua = old-style.

* a la antigua usanza = old-style.

* a la atención de = c/o (care of).

* a la baja = on the wane.

* a la brasa = grilled.

* a la buena de Dios = out in the cold.

* a la cabeza de = in the forefront of/in.

* a la caída de la noche = at nightfall, at twilight.

* a la caída de la tarde = at twilight.

* a la carta = a la carte.

* a la defensiva = on the defensive.

* a la derecha = at the right.

* a la derecha de = on the right side of, on the right-hand side of.

* a la deriva = rudderless.

* a la discreción de = at the discretion of.

* a la disposición de Alguien = at + Posesivo + disposal.

* a la expectativa de = on the lookout for, on the alert for.

* a la + Expresión Temporal = a + Expresión Temporal.

* a la fuerza = forcefully, of necessity, forcibly, compulsorily.

* a la fuga = on the run, on the lam.

* a la hora de + Infinitivo = when it came to + Gerundio, when it comes to + Gerundio.

* a la hora de la verdad = when push comes to shove, if it comes to the crunch, when it comes to the crunch, when the worst comes to the worst, if the worst comes to the worst, when the crunch comes to the crunch, if the crunch comes to the crunch.

* a la hora del café = at coffee.

* a la intemperie = in the open, exposed.

* a la inversa = mirror-fashion, mirror image, in reverse.

* a la izquierda = at the left.

* a la larga = in the long term, over the long term, in the end, eventually, for the long pull, over a period of time, over the long haul, in the far term, ultimately, by and by.

* a la ligera = lightly.

* a la luz de = in light of, in the light of.

* a la luz de la luna = by moonlight, in the moonlight, moonlit.

* a la luz de las estrellas = by starlight.

* a la luz de las velas = by candlelight, candlelight, candlelit.

* a la luz del día = in the light of day.

* a la luz de una lámpara de gas = by gaslight.

* a la mano de = available at the fingertips of.

* a la misma altura que = in the same league as.

* a la moda = trendy [trendier -comp., trendiest -sup.].

* a la onda = in the know.

* a la opinión pública = in the public eye.

* a la par = in concert, in tandem, neck and neck, in a tandem fashion, in parallel.

* a la par que = in tandem with, hand in hand (with), as the same time as.

* a la parrilla = grilled, on the grill.

* a la perfección = superbly.

* a la plancha = griddled, on the griddle, on the hotplate.

* a largo plazo = in the long term, over the long term, long-range, in the long run, long-term, over the long run, over the long haul, long-run, in the far term, far-term.

* a la salida = on the way out.

* a la sazón = at that time.

* a las doce del mediodía = at high noon.

* a la semana = a week, per week.

* a las mil maravillas = marvellously [marvelously, -USA], famously, like a house on fire.

* a la sombra de = in the shadow of.

* a las puertas de = on the threshold of.

* a la última = hip [hipper -comp., hippest -sup.], on the fast track, hipped.

* a la vanguardia = on the cutting edge, on the leading edge, in the fast lane, on the fast track, at the leading edge, on the bleeding edge.

* a la vanguardia de = in the vanguard of, at the forefront of, in the forefront of/in, at the vanguard of.

* a la velocidad de la luz = at the speed of light.

* a la velocidad del rayo = at the speed of lightning.

* a la velocidad del sonido = at the speed of sound.

* a la venta = on release.

* a la vez = at once, at one time, at similar times, at the same time, concurrently, side-by-side, simultaneously, at the same instant, in parallel, in tandem, at the one time, in a tandem fashion, at a time, in unison.

* a la vez que = hand in hand (with), cum, in conjunction with, in unison with.

* a la vista = in sight, within sight.

* a la vista de = in light of, in the light of.

* a la vuelta de = on the return leg of.

* a la zaga = not far behind, in tow.

* al azar = lucky draw, lucky dip.

* al extremo norte = northernmost.

* al extremo oeste = westernmost.

* al hacer esto = in doing so.

* al norte del estado = upstate.

* a lo extremo = to the extreme.

* a lo grande = in a big way, big time, grandly, on a grand scale.

* a lo hecho, pecho = no use crying over spilt/spilled milk, you've made your bed, now you must lie in it!.

* a lo largo de = along, down, throughout.

* a lo largo de + Expresión Temporal = sometime + Expresión Temporal.

* a lo largo de la historia = over time.

* a lo largo de la ruta = along the way.

* a lo largo del tiempo = longitudinal, longitudinally.

* a lo largo de todo = the entire length of.

* a lo largo y ancho del país = countrywide [country-wide].

* a lo largo y ancho de + Lugar = up and down + Lugar.

* a lo lejos = in the distance.

* a lo loco = helter-skelter, like there's no tomorrow.

* a lo máximo = at best, at most, at the most.

* a lo mejor = perhaps.

* a lo que salga = come what may.

* a los ojos de = in the eyes of.

* a lo sumo = at best, at most, at the most.

* al otro lado del atlántico = across the pond.

* al otro lado del charco = across the pond.

* al otro lado del océano = across the pond.

* a lo zombi = zombielike.

* a mano = by hand, manually, nearby [near-by], handy, within reach, within easy reach.

* a mano alzada = by a show of hands.

* a mano derecha de = on the right side of, on the right-hand side of.

* a manojos = by the handful.

* a manos de = at the hands of.

* a marchas forzadas = in a rush, against the clock.

* a mares = cats and dogs.

* a más largo plazo = longer-term.

* a más..., más... = the + Comparativo..., the + Comparativo....

* a más tardar = at the latest.

* a mata caballo = in a hurry, hurried, hurriedly, helter-skelter.

* a media asta = at half-mast, at half staff.

* a mediados de = in the middle decades of.

* a mediados de + Fecha = in the mid + Fecha.

* a mediados de semana = midweek.

* a media jornada = half-time [half time].

* a media mañana = mid-morning.

* a medianoche = at midnight.

* a medias = half-hearted [halfhearted], qualified.

* a medias entre... y... = betwixt and between.

* a medida = custom, bespoke.

* a medida que + avanzar + el año = as the year + wear on.

* a medida que + avanzar + el día = as the day + wear on.

* a medida que pasaba el tiempo = as time passed (by), as time went by.

* a medida que pasa el tiempo = as time passes (by).

* a medida que pasa + Expresión Temporal = as + Expresión Temporal + go by.

* a medida que + pasar + el año = as the year + wear on.

* a medida que + pasar + el día = as the day + wear on.

* a medida que se necesite = on demand, on request, as required.

* a medida que + transcurrir + el año = as the year + wear on.

* a medida que + transcurrir + el día = as the day + wear on.

* a medio abrir = half-opened.

* a medio camino = halfway [half-way/half way].

* a medio comprender = half-understood.

* a medio formar = half-formed.

* a medio fuego = medium heat.

* a medio hacer = halfway done, half done.

* a medio plazo = medium-term, near-term, in the medium term, in the mid-term, mid-term [midterm].

* a medio rimar = half-rhymed.

* a medio vestir = half dressed.

* a menor escala = at a reduced rate.

* a menos que = unless, short of.

* a menudo = oftentimes [often times], ofttimes [oft-times].

* a merced de = at the mercy of.

* a mí = me.

* a mi entender = to my mind.

* a mi modo de ver = in my books.

* a mi parecer = to my mind, methinks, in my books.

* a mitad de = half way through, halfway through.

* a mitad de camino = halfway [half-way/half way].

* a mitad de camino entre... y... = midway between, half way between... and....

* a mitad de camino entre... y... = astride... and....

* a mitad de precio = at half price.

* a mí también me gustaría tener la misma oportunidad = turnabout is fair play.

* a modo de = by way of, in the vein of, as a kind of.

* a modo de aclaración = in parenthesis, on a sidenote.

* a modo de advertencia = cautionary.

* a modo de ejemplo = by way of illustration.

* a modo de explicación = parenthetically.

* a modo de ilustración = by way of illustration.

* a modo de inciso = in passing, by the way of (a) digression.

* a modo de paréntesis = parenthetical.

* a modo de prólogo = prefatory.

* a modo de resumen = wrap-up.

* a mogollón = aplenty [a-plenty].

* a montón = aplenty [a-plenty].

* a montones = in droves, by the sackful.

* a muchos niveles = many-levelled [many-leveled, -USA].

* a muerte = bitter, bitterly.

* a nadie le importa nada = nobody + gives a damn.

* a nivel de barrio = neighbourhood-based.

* a nivel de calle = on the ground level.

* a nivel de la calle = at ground level.

* a nivel del suelo = at ground level.

* a nivel estatal = statewide [state-wide].

* a nivel federal = federally, federally.

* a nivel individual = privately.

* a nivel local = locally, domestically.

* a nivel multicultural = multi-culturally [multiculturally].

* a nivel mundial = worldwide [world-wide], globally.

* a nivel nacional = nationally, domestically, countrywide [country-wide].

* a nivel privado = privately.

* a nivel regional = regionally.

* a nombre de = payable to.

* a no ser que = unless.

* a nosotros = us.

* a ojo = ocular.

* a ojos vista = before + Posesivo + (own two) eyes.

* a orillas del océano = oceanfront.

* a orillas del río = riverfront.

* a orillas de un lago = lakeside, lakefront, by the lakeside.

* a otro sitio = somewhere else.

* a pares = in pairs.

* a partes iguales = share and share alike, in equal measure(s).

* a partir de = on the basis of, based on, working from, from, on a diet of, in response to.

* a partir de ahora = from now on, from this point on, henceforth, as of now.

* a partir de ahora y durante + Cuantificador + años = for + Cuantificador + years to come.

* a partir de aquí = hereupon.

* a partir de ello = therefrom.

* a partir de entonces = from this time on, hereafter, thereafter, whereafter, from then on, thenceforth, henceforth, from that moment on.

* a partir de ese momento = from that moment on.

* a partir de este momento = hereinafter.

* a partir de esto = on this basis, on that basis.

* a partir de + Fecha = from + Fecha, effective + Fecha.

* a partir de hoy = as from today.

* a partir de la medianoche = late night.

* a partir de los títulos = title-based.

* a paso de tortuga = at a snail's pace.

* a paso ligero = on the double.

* a pasos agigantados = at an exponential rate, at exponential rates, by leaps and bounds.

* a pedir de boca = without a hitch.

* a pequeña escala = in a small way, small scale [small-scale].

* a perpetuidad = in perpetuity.

* a pesar de (que) = albeit (that), despite, in spite of, notwithstanding, although, despite the fact that, in spite of the fact that.

* a pesar de todo = all the same, in spite of everything, despite everything, despite it all, in spite of it all, all this said.

* a pesar de todo + Posesivo + Nombre = for all + Posesivo + Nombre.

* a petición de = at the request of, at the urging of, at the behest of.

* a petición del usuario = on demand, on request.

* a petición popular = by popular demand.

* a pie = on foot, afoot, dismounted.

* a pilas = battery-operated.

* a pique = sinking.

* a placer = at will.

* a plena luz del día = in broad daylight.

* a poca distancia = not far behind.

* a poca distancia andando = within walking distance, within an easy walk.

* a poca distancia a pie = within an easy walk, within walking distance.

* a pocos minutos andando = within walking distance, within easy walking distance, within an easy walk.

* a pocos minutos a pie = within walking distance, within easy walking distance, within an easy walk.

* a porrillo = by the handful.

* a + Posesivo + aire = to + Posesivo + heart's content.

* a + Posesivo + alcance = in the ballpark for + Pronombre, in + Posesivo + ballpark range.

* a + Posesivo + costa = at + Posesivo + expense.

* a + Posesivo + cuidado = in + Posesivo + safekeeping.

* a + Posesivo + discreción = at will, at + Posesivo + discretion.

* a + Posesivo + disposición = at + Posesivo + disposal.

* a + Posesivo + entender = to the best of + Posesivo + belief.

* a + Posesivo + espaldas = behind + Posesivo + back.

* a + Posesivo + expensas = at + Posesivo + expense.

* a + Posesivo + favor = in + Posesivo + favour, to + Posesivo + credit.

* a + Posesivo + juicio = in + Posesivo + estimation.

* a + Posesivo + manera = in + Posesivo + own way.

* a + Posesivo + saber = to the best of + Posesivo + knowledge.

* a + Posesivo + saber y entender = to the best of + Posesivo + knowledge and belief.

* a + Posesivo + servicio = at + Posesivo + service.

* a + Posesivo + sorprender = much to + Posesivo + surprise.

* a + Posesivo + vista = before + Posesivo + (own two) eyes.

* a posteriori = reactive, in retrospect, after-the-fact, hindsight, with hindsight, a posteriori, in hindsight.

* a precio de coste = at cost price, at cost.

* a precio de costo = at cost price, at cost.

* a precio de ganga = at a steal.

* a precio especial = at reduced cost, discounted, cut-rate, cut-price.

* a precio razonable = at reasonable cost(s).

* a precio reducido = at a discount.

* a precios competitivos = competitively priced.

* a precios especiales = at reduced rates, at preferential rates.

* a precios razonables = at affordable prices.

* a presión = pressurised [pressurized, -USA].

* a primera hora de la mañana = first thing in the morning.

* a primera hora de + Período del Día = first thing + Período del Día.

* a primeras horas de la tarde = late afternoon.

* a primera vista = on first acquaintance, at first sight, on first inspection, on the face of it, at first blush, at first glance, on the surface, prima facie, first-blush.

* a primeros de + Fecha = in the early + Fecha.

* a principios de + Fecha = in the early + Fecha.

* a principios de los + Década = early + Década, the.

* a priori = proactive [pro-active], foresight, a priori, on the surface.

* a prisa = quickly.

* a propósito = deliberate, for the record, incidentally, intentionally, by the way, in passing, anecdotally, purposely, by design, on purpose, wilfully [willfully, -USA], on a sidenote, studiously, by the way of (a) digression, by the by(e), speaking of which, designedly.

* a propósito de = apropos of.

* a propósito de nada = for no specific reason, for no particular reason.

* a prueba = on trial.

* a prueba de bombas = ruggedised [ruggedized, -USA], bomb-proof.

* a prueba de conejos = rabbit-proof.

* a prueba de fallos = fail-safe.

* a prueba de incendios = fireproof [fire-proof].

* a prueba de niños = childproof.

* a prueba de robos = theft proof.

* a prueba de tornados = tornado proof.

* a prueba de un tratamiento duro = ruggedised [ruggedized, -USA].

* a prueba de viento = windproof.

* a puerta cerrada = behind closed doors.

* a punta de pistola = at gunpoint.

* a punto de = on the verge of, a heartbeat away from.

* a punto de + Infinitivo = about to + Infinitivo.

* a punto de irse a pique = on the rocks.

* a punto de morir = on + Posesivo + deathbed.

* a puñados = by the sackful, by the handful.

* a quemarropa = point blank.

* a quien madruga, Dios le ayuda = the early bird catches the worm.

* a quienquiera que = whomever.

* a rachas = by fits and starts.

* a ráfagas = in bursts.

* a raíz de = in the wake of.

* a rajatabla = to the letter.

* a ras de = flush with.

* a ras de la calle = ground-floor.

* a ras del suelo = at ground level.

* a rastras = in tow.

* a ratos = intermittently.

* a reacción = jet-assisted.

* a rebosar (de) = jam-packed (with), filled to capacity.

* a regañadientes = grudgingly, grudging, begrudgingly, unwillingly, reluctantly.

* a régimen = on a diet.

* a remolque = in tow.

* a reventar (de) = jam-packed (with), filled to capacity.

* a saber = namely, viz, to wit.

* a sabiendas = knowing, knowingly, wilfully [willfully, -USA].

* a sabiendas de que = on the understanding that.

* a sacudidas = jerkily.

* a saltitos = jerky [jerkier -comp., jerkiest -sup.].

* a salvo = in a safe place, in safekeeping, out of harm's way.

* a sangre fría = cold-blooded.

* a ser posible = if possible.

* a simple vista = by the naked eye, superficially, on first thought.

* a solas = all by + Reflexivo, by + Reflexivo.

* a su debido tiempo = in due course, timely, in due time.

* a sueldo = paid.

* a su precio normal = at full price.

* a su propio ritmo = at an individual pace.

* a su tiempo = in a timely fashion, in due course, in a timely manner.

* a su vez = Verbo + further, in turn, in its/their turn.

* a tal efecto = to this effect.

* a tales efectos = hereto.

* a tarifa reducida = at reduced cost.

* a tarifas especiales = at reduced rates, at preferential rates.

* a temperatura ambiente = at room temperature.

* a tener en cuenta en el futuro = for future reference.

* a tenor de = in light of, in the face of, in the light of, in view of.

* a ti = you, thee.

* a tiempo = in timely fashion, on time, promptly, timely, just in time, in time.

* a tiempo completo = full-time.

* a tiempo parcial = part-time.

* a tientas = in the dark.

* a tientas y a ciegas = blindly, in the dark.

* a ti mismo = yourself, thyself.

* a tiro = within gunshot, within range.

* a tirones = jerky [jerkier -comp., jerkiest -sup.].

* a título de = by way of, for the sake of.

* a título gratuito = gratuitous.

* a título personal = in a personal capacity, in a private capacity.

* a toda costa = absolutely, at all costs, come what may, at any cost, at any price.

* a toda máquina = in the fast lane, fast lane, full steam ahead, at full tilt, full-tilt, full-throttle, at full throttle, at top speed, at full blast, at full speed.

* a toda marcha = at full throttle, at top speed, at full blast, at full speed, at full stretch.

* a toda mecha = at a rate of knots, full steam ahead, at full blast, at full throttle, at top speed, at full speed, at full stretch.

* a toda pasta = at a rate of knots.

* a toda pastilla = in the fast lane, on the fast track, fast lane, overdrive, full steam ahead, full-tilt, at full tilt, full-throttle, at full throttle, at a rate of knots, at top speed, at full blast, at full speed.

* a toda prueba = unswerving.

* a todas horas = at all hours, around the clock.

* a todas luces = patently.

* a todas partes = far and wide.

* a toda velocidad = full-tilt, at full tilt, full-throttle, at full throttle, at top speed, at full blast, at full speed.

* a todo alrededor = all round.

* a todo color = full-colour, in full colour.

* a todo gas = full steam ahead, full-tilt, at full tilt, full-throttle, at full throttle, at top speed, at full blast, at full speed, at full stretch.

* a todo lo largo de = the length of.

* a todo meter = full steam ahead, at full stretch, at full speed, at full blast, at top speed, at full throttle.

* a todo ritmo = in full swing, in full force, in full gear.

* a todos lados = far and wide.

* a todos los efectos = to all intents and purposes, to all intents, for all practical purposes, for all intents and purposes.

* a todos los niveles = at all levels.

* a todos nosotros = us all.

* a todos por igual = one size fits all.

* a todo vapor = full steam ahead, full-tilt, at full tilt, full-throttle, at full throttle, at top speed, at full blast, at full speed, at full stretch.

* a todo volumen = at full blast.

* a tontas y a ciegas = headlong, runaway.

* a tontas y locas = like there's no tomorrow, without rhyme or reason.

* a tope = packed to capacity, in the fast lane, fast lane, choc-a-block, chock-full, in full swing, in full gear, packed to the rafters.

* a trancas y barrancas = with great difficulty, by fits and starts.

* a través de = by way of, in the form of, through, via, out of, through the agency of.

* a través de Internet = Internet-based, Web-based, Web-supported.

* a través de la historia = over time.

* a través de la TI = IT-enabled.

* a través de la web = Web-based, Web-supported.

* a través de los años = over the years, down the years.

* a través de los ojos de = through the eyes of.

* a través de los siglos = over the centuries.

* a través del teléfono = call-in.

* a través del tiempo = over time.

* a través de operador = operator-assisted.

* a tres bandas = three pronged.

* a tres niveles = three-tiered.

* a troche y moche = like there's no tomorrow.

* a trompicones = by fits and starts.

* a tropezones = falteringly, hesitantly, haltingly, jerkily.

* a trozos = piecewise.

* ¡A tu salud! = Here's to you!.

* a última hora = at the last minute, at the eleventh hour, last minute [last-minute], at the very last minute, at the very last moment, at the very last.

* a últimas horas de la tarde = late evening.

[b]* a últ

* * *

a femenino (pl aes) ( read as [a]) the letter A, a

* * *

* * *

La preposición a suele emplearse precedida de ciertos verbos como empezar, ir, oler, sonar etc, en cuyo caso ver bajo el respectivo verbo.

No se traduce cuando introduce el complemento directo de persona (ser humano, pronombres personales que lo representan como quien, alguien, etc) o un nombre con un objeto o animal personalizado: amo a mi patria = I love my country, pasear al perro = to walk the dog.

En los casos en que precede al artículo definido el para formar la contracción al, ver bajo la siguiente entrada, donde también se encontrarán otros ejemplos y usos de a.

A (en relaciones de espacio, lugar)

1 (indicando dirección) to

voy a México/a la fiesta I'm going to Mexico/to the party

voy a casa I'm going home

dobla a la derecha turn right

se cayó al río she fell into the river

ver tb entrar, llegar, etc

2 (indicando posición) at

estaban sentados a la mesa they were sitting at the table

a orillas del Ebro on the banks of the Ebro

se sentó al sol he sat in the sun

se sentó a mi derecha he sat down to the right of me o on my right

a la vuelta de la esquina around the corner

queda al norte de Toledo it's (to the) north of Toledo

ver tb costado, lado

(indicando distancia): está a diez kilómetros de aquí it's ten kilometers from here, it's ten kilometers away

está a unos 20 minutos de aquí it takes o it's about 20 minutes from here, it's a 20 minute drive ( o walk etc) from here

B (en relaciones de tiempo)

1 (señalando hora, momento, fecha) at

abren a las ocho they open at eight o'clock

¿a qué hora vengo? what time shall I come?

a eso de las dos at around o about two o'clock

a la hora del almuerzo at lunchtime

a mediados de abril in mid-April

hoy estamos a 20 it's the 20th today

al día siguiente the next o following day

empezó a hablar a los diez meses he started talking when he was ten months old o at ten months

llegó a la mañana/noche ( RPl); he arrived in the morning/at night

2 al + INF:

se cayó al bajar del autobús she fell as she was getting off the bus

al verlo me di cuenta de que ya no lo quería when I saw him o on seeing him, I realized that I no longer loved him

al salir de la estación torcí a la izquierda I turned left out of the station

(indicando distancia en el tiempo): a escasos minutos de su llegada (después) just a few minutes after she arrived; (antes) just a few minutes before she arrived

trabajan de lunes a viernes/de una a cinco they work (from) Monday to Friday/from one to five

a los diez minutos del primer tiempo ten minutes into the first half o after ten minutes of the first half

estaré en París de martes a jueves I'll be in Paris from Tuesday until Thursday, I'll be in Paris Tuesday through Thursday ( AmE)

(en relaciones de proporción, equivalencia): tres veces al día/a la semana three times a day/a week

sale a 2.000 euros por cabeza it works out at 2,000 euros per person

iban a 100 kilómetros por hora they were going (at) 100 kilometers per hour

nos ganaron cinco a tres they beat us by five points to three, they beat us five three o ( AmE) five to three

(indicando modo, estilo): fuimos a pie/a caballo we walked/rode, we went on foot/on horseback

pollo al horno/a la brasa roast/barbecued chicken

un peinado a lo Rodolfo Valentino a Rudolph Valentino hairstyle

a crédito on credit

ilustraciones a todo color full-color illustrations

una tela a rayas a piece of striped material

E (en complementos verbales)

(introduciendo el complemento directo de persona): ¿viste a José? did you see José?

la policía está buscando al asesino the police are looking for the murderer

no he leído a Freud I haven't read (any) Freud

[ the personal a is only used when a specific person or persons are involved

busca una secretaria bilingüe he's looking for a bilingual secretary

]

(introduciendo el complemento indirecto): le escribió una carta a su padre he wrote a letter to his father, he wrote his father a letter

dáselo/dáselos a ella give it/them to her

les enseña inglés a mis hijos she teaches my children English

suave al tacto soft to the touch

agradable al oído pleasing to the ear

(indicando procedencia): se lo compré a una gitana I bought it from o ( colloq) off a gipsy

1 (en complementos de finalidad) to

enséñale a nadar teach him to swim

fue a preguntar he went to ask

los instó a que participaran he urged them to take part

voy a ir a que me hagan un chequeo I'm going to go and have a checkup

2 ( fam)

(para): ¿a qué tanta ceremonia? what's all the fuss for?

¿a qué le fuiste a decir eso? what did you go and tell him that for?

a por ( Esp fam): bajo a por pan I'm going down to get some bread o for some bread ( colloq)

¿quién va a ir a por los niños? who's going to fetch o get the children?

¡a por ello! go for it!

G (señalando una acción que ha de realizarse) a + INF:

los puntos a tratar en la reunión de mañana the points to be discussed at tomorrow's meeting

es una idea a tener en cuenta it's an idea to bear in mind o that should be borne in mind

total a pagar total payable

horario a convenir hours to be arranged

(en órdenes): ¡a la cama, niños! off to bed, children!

¡a callar! shut up! ( colloq)

vamos ¡a trabajar! come on, let's get some work done!

2 (con valor condicional) a + INF:

a decir verdad to tell you the truth

a juzgar por lo que tú dices judging from what you say

3 ( fam)

(en cuanto a): a tozudo no hay quien le gane when it comes to being stubborn there's nobody like him

(indicando causa): a petición del interesado ( frml); at the request of the interested party

al no saber idiomas está en desventaja as he doesn't speak any languages he is at a disadvantage, he's at a disadvantage not speaking any languages

(expresando desafío): ¿a que no sabes qué nota me puso? you'll never guess what mark she gave me!

tú no te atreverías — ¿a que sí? you wouldn't dare — do you want to o a bet? ( colloq)

¡a que no puedes! bet you can't! ( colloq)

* * *

◊ a sustantivo femenino (pl aes) (read as /a/) the letter A, a

a) ( indicando dirección) to;

◊ voy a México/la tienda I'm going to Mexico/to the shop;

b) ( indicando posición):

◊ estaban sentados a la mesa they were sitting at the table;

c) ( indicando distancia):

◊ a diez kilómetros de aquí ten kilometers from here

a) (señalando hora, momento) at;

◊ a las ocho at eight o'clock;

b) ( señalando fecha):

◊ hoy estamos a lunes/a 20 today is Monday/it's the 20th today

c) al + inf:

◊ se cayó al bajar del tren she fell as she was getting off the train;

d) ( indicando distancia en el tiempo):

◊ a escasos minutos de su llegada ( después) a few minutes after she arrived;

◊ de lunes a viernes (from) Monday to Friday

◊ tres veces al día three times a day;

◊ a pie/a caballo on foot/on horseback;

a) ( introduciendo el complemento directo de persona):

◊ ¿viste a José? did you see José?;

b) ( introduciendo el complemento indirecto) to;

◊ le escribió una carta a su padre he wrote a letter to his father, he wrote his father a letter;

c) ( indicando procedencia):

◊ se lo compré a una gitana I bought it from o (colloq) off a gipsy

* * *

1. (abrev de autopista) Br M, US freeway

2. (abrev de alfil) [en notación de ajedrez] B

A, a [a] nf

si por a o por be… if for any reason…

* * *

1 dirección to;

al este de to the east of;

a casa home;

ir a la cama/al cine go to bed/to the movies;

¡a trabajar! get to work!;

vamos a Buenos Aires we’re going to Buenos Aires;

voy a casa de Marta I’m going to Marta’s (house)

2 situación at;

a la mesa at the table;

al lado de next to;

a la derecha on the right;

al sol in the sun;

a treinta kilómetros de Cuzco thirty kilometers from Cuzco;

está a cinco kilómetros it’s five kilometers away

3 tiempo

¿a qué hora llegas? what time do you arrive?;

a las tres at three o’clock;

de once a doce from eleven (o’clock) to twelve;

estamos a quince de febrero it’s February fifteenth;

a los treinta años at the age of thirty;

a la llegada del tren when the train arrives

4 modo

a la española the Spanish way;

a mano by hand;

a pie on foot;

a 50 kilómetros por hora at fifty kilometers an hour

5 precio

¿a cómo o

cuánto está? how much is it?;

están a dos pesos el kilo they are two pesos a kilo

6 objeto indirecto

dáselo a tu hermano give it to your brother

7 objeto directo

vi a mi padre I saw my father

8 en perífrasis verbal

empezar a begin to;

jugar a las cartas play cards;

decidirse a hacer algo decide to do sth;

voy a comprarlo I’m going to buy it;

a decir verdad to tell the truth

9 para introducir pregunta

¿a que no lo sabes? I bet you don’t know;

a ver OK, right;

a ver lo que pasa ahora let’s see what happens now

abr (= alias) aka (= also known as)