a ti
/a ti/from spelling rules
The English phrase "to you" is translated into Spanish as a ti.
a ti is used to indicate that something is directed toward or given to the person being spoken to. It is a common informal way of saying "to you".
What does it mean word for word?
The word a means "to" and ti is the prepositional form of the pronoun tú (you).
Which one should you use?
While a ti is used for the informal "to you", a usted is used for the formal "to you".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In regions such as Argentina and Uruguay, a vos is an informal way of saying "to you". In Spain, when addressing a group of people informally, the plural form is vosotros, while ustedes is used to address a group formally.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase a ti is used for emphasis or clarity when the indirect object pronoun te is already present in the sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/a ti/
Did you know?
- Using a usted instead of a ti can signal a massive social shift. In some traditional cultures, using a ti with a stranger or elder can be perceived as an intentional insult or an overstep of boundaries.
- The word ti is a linguistic fossil from the Latin word tibi. While most Spanish pronouns evolved differently, ti preserved the specific Latin dative case used for the indirect object.
- The phrase a ti is frequently used in the shortened expression gracias a ti to return a thank you. It functions like the English phrase 'no, thank you' or 'back at you'.
Examples in context
- Te hablo a ti.I talk to you.This sentence shows how to use a ti to indicate the person being spoken to.Tatoeba #1178599 by marcelostockle, translation #1097942 by cntrational
- Te lo dejo a ti.I'm leaving it to you.This sentence uses a ti to show something is being left to a person.Tatoeba #2319717 by Shishir, translation #17495 by CK
- Es gracias a ti.It's thanks to you.This sentence uses a ti to express thanks to a person.Tatoeba #4767242 by cueyayotl, translation #4767215 by Stalwartlover
- ¿Cómo puedo ayudarle a usted?How can I help you?
- He comprado algo para tiI've bought something for you
- Te llamo a vosI'm calling you
- ¿Qué hacés vos?What are you doing?
- 51 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are deciding who should choose the movie.
- Alejandro¿Quóien elige la película?Who chooses the movie?
- MaríaSe lo dejo a ti, Alejandro.I leave it to you, Alejandro.
- AlejandroVale, yo elijo una de acción.Okay, I'll choose an action one.
- MaríaMe parece perfecto.Sounds perfect to me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, a ti, ti, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
