lo
/lo/
The Spanish word lo can be used to mean 'lo' in English.
How do you pronounce it?
/lo/
Did you know?
- The word lo often functions as a 'neuter' article to turn an adjective into a noun. For example lo bueno translates to 'the good thing' or 'the good part' of a situation.
- In some Spanish dialects, lo is used in 'redundant' phrases like lo vi a él, where the object 'him' is mentioned twice in the same sentence.
- The word lo is the direct cognate of the Portuguese word 'o', meaning they are essentially the same word in different sibling languages.
Examples in context
- Lo invitamos y, voila, no vino.We invited him and, lo and behold, he didn't come.This example is useful for seeing how lo is used in the phrase 'lo and behold'.Tatoeba #2816420 by marcelostockle, translation #2455549 by FeuDRenais2
- Le hemos comprado un regalo a Luis. Lo hemos envuelto para regalo.We have bought a gift for Luis. We have wrapped it as a present.
- No lo sé todavía.I don't know it yet.
- Lo entiendo perfectamente.I understand it perfectly.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing a new project at work.
- Lucía¿Entiendes el plan de la empresa?Do you understand the company's plan?
- AlejandroNo, no lo entiendo.No, I don't understand it.
- LucíaTe lo explicaré más tarde.I will explain it to you later.
- AlejandroGracias, Lucía.Thanks, Lucía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
