a mí
/a mi/from spelling rules
The English phrase "to me" is translated into Spanish as a mí.
a mí is used to indicate that something is directed toward the speaker or is the speaker's opinion.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition a (to) and the stressed object pronoun mí (me).
Which one should you use?
While the unstressed pronoun me is used for most indirect objects, the stressed phrase a mí is used for emphasis or to avoid ambiguity.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, particularly Hispanic Americas, Pa' mí is a shorter, colloquial way to say para mí. Additionally, in Mexico, me cae bien or me cae mal is an alternative way to express personal liking or disliking.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase a mí me gusta (I like it), a mí is used to emphasize that the speaker specifically likes something, often in contrast to others.
How do you pronounce it?
/a mi/
Did you know?
- The phrase a mí is central to the expression a mí no me digas, which is not a literal request for silence but a common way to say 'don't try to fool me'.
- When using a mí to express an opinion, such as in A mí me parece…, you are linguistically framing the opinion as something that is landing on you, rather than just a statement of fact.
- The word mí is derived from the Latin word mihi, which specifically served as the dative form of the pronoun ego.
Examples in context
- ¡John, ven a mí!John, come to me!This sentence uses a mí to indicate a direction toward the speaker.Tatoeba #1190121 by marcelostockle, translation #1098116 by cntrational
- Déjame todo a mí.Leave everything to me.This sentence uses a mí to indicate leaving something to the speaker.Tatoeba #1234450 by marcelostockle, translation #3359714 by CK
- ¿Se refiere a mí?Are you referring to me?This sentence uses a mí to indicate who is being referred to.Tatoeba #2088881 by marcelostockle, translation #1499 by CK
- Esta mesa es para mí.This table is for me.
- A mí me encanta la música.I love music.
- Para mí, este restaurante es el mejor.To me, this restaurant is the best.
- A mí me parece interesante el proyecto.To me, the project seems interesting.
- Pa' mí, el mejor momento del día es la mañana.To me, the best time of the day is the morning.
- A mí se me olvidó el libro en casa.I forgot the book at home (It escaped me).
- Ese chico me cae bien.I like that guy.
- No me cae mal estudiar.I don't mind studying.
- 103 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are discussing a movie they just watched.
- SofíaA mí me gustó mucho la película.I liked the movie a lot.
- DanielYo no estoy de acuerdo contigo.I don't agree with you.
- Sofía¿Y a ti qué te pareció el final?And what did you think of the ending?
- DanielFue muy aburrido para mí.It was very boring for me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, mí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
