What does al in Spanish mean?

What is the meaning of the word al in Spanish? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use al in Spanish.

The word al in Spanish means to, on, as, as, Dive in!, Jump right in!, go to hell!, Go to hell!, Go to hell!, catch you on the flip side, in the cool air, skim, based on, based off, scatter, thoughtlessly, open to the public, bearer stock, bearer shares, adapt for film, adapt to film, Board her!, on board, in the care of, under 's wing, safe from, sheltered by , under the shelter of, in wait, leave out, exposed, exposed, vague, on the air, on air, outdoors, with garlic, cooked with garlic, oil and peppers, at dawn, at sunrise, on hand, in reach, within reach, within 's grasp, within your grasp, close at hand, close by, accessible to all, jointly, together, upwards, at daybreak, at dawn, under, get close to the fire, go with the current, go with the flow, under the shelter of, under the protection of, after a year, at night, at nightfall, with help from, with support from, on the attack, on the offensive, randomly, on the bias, by, on the verge of, on the brink of, about to collapse, about to collapse, on the verge of collapse, at a cliff's edge, at the edge of a precipice, after, by the warmth of, next to, thanks to, inevitably, immediately, fit like a glove, on the edge, on the edge of, at the break of dawn, charcoal, on the grill, render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and to God that which is God's, one hundred per cent, all out, full blast, upon delivery, COD, to the rhythm of, to the beat of, cash, on the contrary, to the contrary, on the contrary, contrary to, in contrast to, unlike, in the know, up to date, in the loop, up to date, up to speed, up to date with, up-to-date with, squared, to which, cubed, under the care of, in the care of, off pat, by heart, around, bring to light, bring into the open, in an unguarded moment, carelessly, naked, nude, at the break of dawn, at the crack of dawn, retail, retail, retail, retail, retail, retail, in detail, up to date, up to date. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word al

to

contracción (a + el)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Aún voy al colegio.

I still go to school.

on, as

locución conjuntiva (expresa simultaneidad) (at the precise moment)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Al cerrar la puerta, Javier estalló en llanto, abrumado por la impotencia. Los niños se alegraron al ver la nueva mascota de la familia.

The children rejoiced on seeing the new family pet. As the door closed, Javier burst into tears, overcome with helplessness.

as

locución conjuntiva (expresa simultaneidad)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

Emilia se preocupó al pasar semanas sin saber de su amigo. Al cerrarse la puerta, hubo un silencio sepulcral en el salón.

Emilia got worried as weeks went by without hearing from her friend.

Dive in!, Jump right in!

locución interjectiva (llamamiento al baño) (water, bath)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

go to hell!

locución interjectiva (peyorativo (rechazar a alguien) (US, pejorative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

¡Vete al diablo! No quiero volver a verte.

Go to hell! I don't want to see you again.

Go to hell!

locución interjectiva (informal (no me importas nada)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

¿Que no me quieres volver a ver, dices?: entonces, ¡vete al infierno!

Go to hell!

locución interjectiva (informal (déjame en paz)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Vete al infierno de una vez; ¿no ves que estoy ocupado?

catch you on the flip side

expresión (CR (usada para despedir)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

Hasta otro día, hala, ¡a correr al parque!

So long, catch you on the flip side!

in the cool air

locución adverbial (en lugar fresco)

Se sentaron a la fresca en un lugar resguardado del sol.

They sat down in the cool air in a place that was out of the sun.

skim

locución preposicional (casi tocando)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

El avión volaba a ras del suelo.

The plane skimmed the ground.

based on, based off

locución preposicional (tomando en cuenta)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

A tenor de su comentario, me gustaría decirle un par de cosas.

Based on his comment I'd like to tell him a few things.

scatter

locución adverbial (sembrar: arrojando semillas)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

thoughtlessly

locución adverbial (de manera irreflexiva)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

open to the public

locución adjetiva (accesible, disponible)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

El teatro solo está abierto al público los fines de semana.

The theatre is only open to the public at the weekend.

bearer stock

locución nominal femenina (gen pl (fin: acción propiedad de quien la posea) (general)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

bearer shares

locución nominal femenina plural (finanzas: propiedad de quien las posea)

(plural noun: Noun always used in plural form--for example, "jeans," "scissors.")

adapt for film, adapt to film

locución verbal (una obra literaria)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

«El libro de la selva» fue adaptado al cine por Disney en 1967.

"The Jungle Book" was adapted for film by Disney in 1967.

Board her!

locución interjectiva (Náutica: orden de asaltar un barco) (attack a ship)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

¡Al abordaje! ¡Traigan todo el oro!

Board her!" Bring all the gold!

on board

locución adverbial (Náutica: pasando a otro barco)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Los piratas saltaron al abordaje y se llevaron todo.

The pirates jumped on board and made off with everything.

in the care of, under 's wing

locución adverbial (bajo la protección de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Juan no tiene problemas en clase porque siempre estuvo al abrigo de su profesora.

safe from

locución preposicional (a salvo de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

sheltered by , under the shelter of

locución preposicional (protegido)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Llovía y los niños esperaban el autobús al abrigo de un árbol.

It was raining and the children waited for the bus under the shelter of a tree.

in wait

locución adverbial (vigilante)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

El león esperaba al acecho, agazapado entre la hierba.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. The robbers were lying in wait for the rich man.

leave out

locución adverbial (sin cubrir)

(phrasal verb, transitive, separable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, divisible--for example, "call off" [=cancel], "call the game off," "call off the game.")

No dejes el arroz al aire que se pone duro.

Don't leave out the rice or it will get hard.

exposed

locución adverbial (piedras preciosas)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Lleva las esmeraldas montadas al aire en sus pendientes.

She wears exposed emeralds on her earrings.

exposed

locución adverbial (gafas)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Me encantan las gafas con cristales al aire, son muy elegantes.

I love glasses with exposed diamanté; they are very elegant.

vague

locución adverbial (sin fundamento)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

No puedes ir lanzando promesas al aire, que luego nos decepcionas.

You can't go making vague promises only to let us down later on.

on the air, on air

locución adverbial (en vivo: radio, televisión) (live broadcast)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Se cayó el decorado mientras transmitían al aire.

The set fell down while they were on air.

outdoors

locución adverbial (lugar abierto)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Me gusta comer al aire libre, es genial en primavera.

I like to eat outdoors, especially in the springtime.

with garlic

locución preposicional (con salsa de ajo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Estas gambas al ajillo también llevan guindilla.

These shrimp cooked with garlic also have chili peppers.

cooked with garlic, oil and peppers

locución preposicional (estilo culinario)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

El bacalao al ajoarriero se hace con patatas, ajo, huevo y aceite.

at dawn, at sunrise

locución adverbial (literario (al amanecer)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

El prisionero será colgado al alba, con la primera luz.

on hand

locución adverbial (cerca, fácil de alcanzar)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Cuando trabajo en el taller, siempre tengo una llave inglesa al alcance.

When I'm in the workshop, I always have a spanner on hand.

in reach, within reach

locución adverbial (dentro de las posibilidades)

El presidente prometió que mantendrá la ayuda del gobierno siempre al alcance.

The president pledged to keep government assistance always within reach.

within 's grasp

locución preposicional (dentro de las posibilidades de) (understanding)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

El álgebra no está al alcance de todo el mundo.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. Houses in this area are not within most people's means.

within your grasp

locución adjetiva (fácil de conseguir) (formal)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

El álgebra no está al alcance de todo el mundo.

Algebra is not within everyone's grasp.

close at hand, close by

locución adverbial (fácil de conseguir)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

No tengo el ordenador al alcance de la mano ahora, luego lo miro. Déjame esos papeles sobre el escritorio para tenerlos a mano.

My computer isn't close by right now, so I'll check it later.

accessible to all

locución adjetiva (fácil de conseguir)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

El tabaco es un vicio al alcance de todos.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. High-quality healthcare is accessible to all residents.

jointly, together

locución adverbial (formal (conjuntamente)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

upwards

locución adverbial (en ascenso)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Los precios de las acciones están al alza desde hace dos días.

The value of the shares has been moving upwards for two days.

at daybreak, at dawn

locución adverbial (al alba)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Salieron toda la noche y llegaron a su casa al amanecer.

They partied all night and got home at dawn.

under

locución adverbial (lugar)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Me gusta descansar al amor de la sombra de los árboles.

get close to the fire

locución adverbial (cerca del calor)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Pónte al amor de la lumbre, que ahí vas a coger frío.

go with the current

locución adverbial (con la corriente)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Dejaron que la barca se fuera al amor del agua, sin timón ni tripulantes.

go with the flow

locución adverbial (algo reprobable)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

No le riñas tanto al niño, deja que haga las cosas al amor del agua.

under the shelter of, under the protection of

locución preposicional (con la ayuda de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

La organización sobrevive al amparo de sus patrocinadores.

The organisation survives under the shelter of (or: under the protection of) its sponsors.

after a year

locución preposicional (pasado un año)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Se fueron a vivir juntos, y al año tuvieron su primer hijo.

They moved in together and within a year had their first child.

at night, at nightfall

locución adverbial (al caer la noche)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Manuel llegará al anochecer, a eso de las 21:30.

Manuel will arrive at night, at about 9:30 PM.

with help from, with support from

locución adverbial (bajo su protección)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Nos refugiamos de la tormenta al arrimo del alero de la ventana.

We protected ourselves from the storm with help from the eaves of the window.

on the attack, on the offensive

locución adverbial (disposición para atacar)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Las tropas iban al ataque.

The troops went on the attack.

randomly

locución adverbial (sin lógica, sin seguridad)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

No dispares tu escopeta al azar que puedes matar a alguien.

Don't shoot your shotgun randomly or you might kill someone.

on the bias

locución adverbial (en diagonal)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Tienes que cortar la madera al bies, de esquina a esquina.

by

locución preposicional (a orillas de) (body of water)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Mi tío tiene una cabaña al borde del mar.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. The new riverside apartments are very pricey.

on the verge of, on the brink of

locución preposicional (figurado (cerca de algo desfavorable)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Me tienes al borde de un ataque de nervios con tanta insistencia.

You've got me on the verge (or: brink) of a nervous breakdown with so much nagging.

about to collapse

locución preposicional (figurado, coloquial (persona: muy debilitada) (literal, figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Carga un estrés tremendo por todo el trabajo acumulado; está al borde del colapso.

She is under tremendous stress with all the accumulated work; she's about to collapse.

about to collapse, on the verge of collapse

locución preposicional (actividad: desestabilización)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Los mercados y la economía están al borde del colapso.

at a cliff's edge, at the edge of a precipice

locución preposicional (figurado (peligro muy grande) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Muchos catastrofistas piensan que estamos al borde del abismo.

Many doomsayers think that we are at a cliff's edge.

after

locución preposicional (después de)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Mi colega salió de la oficina y regresó al cabo de unas horas.

My colleague left the office and returned a few hours afterwards.

by the warmth of

locución adverbial (al abrigo de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

next to

locución preposicional (donde se siente el calor de)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

El perro se echó al calor de la chimenea.

thanks to

locución preposicional (figurado (con la protección de)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

El joven empresario logró el éxito al calor de su influyente familia.

inevitably

locución adverbial (inevitablemente)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Voy a tener que desmentir esto al canto, no hay otra manera.

immediately

locución adverbial (inmediatamente)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

En cuanto le dije que yo pagaba, sacó el dinero al canto para pagar él.

fit like a glove

locución adverbial (coloquial (estupendamente) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Esta madera me viene al canto para el mueble que estoy haciendo.

on the edge

locución adverbial (al borde)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

No dejes los vasos al canto, que se van a caer de la mesa.

on the edge of

locución adverbial (al borde de)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

No pongas los vasos al canto de la mesa, que alguien los va a tirar.

at the break of dawn

locución adverbial (coloquial (al amanecer)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Mañana nos despertaremos al canto del gallo para aprovechar el día.

charcoal

locución adverbial (dibujo) (art)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Es un especialista del dibujo al carbón.

He's a specialist at charcoal drawings.

on the grill

locución adverbial (técnica culinaria)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Me gusta cocinar al carbón y al aire libre.

I like to cook on the grill in the fresh air.

render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and to God that which is God's

expresión (equidad)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

El Estado no debe meterse con la Iglesia; al César lo que es del César y a Dios lo que es de Dios.

The State should not get involved with the Church; render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and to God that which is God's.

one hundred per cent

locución adverbial (coloquial (por completo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

El defensa aseguró que ya se encuentra al cien por cien y que volverá a la cancha para participar en el fogueo.

The defense stated that it is now one hundred percent.

all out, full blast

locución adverbial (coloquial (expresa totalidad) (colloquial)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Nos hemos estado esforzando al ciento por ciento. Las máquinas están funcionando al ciento por ciento de su capacidad.

We have been struggling all out. The machines are running full blast (OR: all out).

upon delivery, COD

locución adjetiva (pendiente de pago)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

to the rhythm of, to the beat of

locución adverbial (al ritmo de)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Bailaban al compás de la música.

They danced to the rhythm of (or: to the beat of) the music.

cash

locución adverbial (en efectivo)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Prefiero pagar al contado y no a crédito.

I prefer to pay in cash and not on credit.

on the contrary, to the contrary

locución adverbial (expresa oposición)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

A Álvaro no le importó que yo saliera con Fernando. Al contrario, le alegró que me llevara bien con su amigo.

Alvaro didn't mind that I went out with Fernando. On the contrary, he was glad I got along with his friend.

on the contrary

locución adverbial (expresa oposición)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

No tengo problema con dejar que mis hijos salgan solos; al contrario.

I don't have issues with letting my kids go out alone; on the contrary.

contrary to, in contrast to

locución preposicional (expresa oposición)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

El copiloto se quedó solo en la cabina, al contrario de lo que estipulaba el protocolo.

The copilot was left alone in the cabin, contrary to (or: in contrast to) what was stipulated in the protocol.

unlike

locución preposicional (expresa oposición)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Nuestra empresa, al contrario que muchas compañías de la competencia, no transmite los datos confidenciales de nuestros clientes.

Our company, unlike much of our competition, doesn't share our clients' confidential data.

in the know, up to date, in the loop

locución adjetiva (enterado, informado)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

¿No estás al corriente? Ha habido un accidente. No sabíamos lo que sucedía, pero, gracias a Carlos, ya quedamos al corriente.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. Maria likes to be informed about recent scientific findings.

up to date, up to speed

locución preposicional (enterado de algo)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

El director nos reunió a todos para ponerse al corriente de lo que estaba sucediendo en nuestro departamento.

The director called us all in for a meeting to bring himself up to speed on what was happening in our department.

up to date with

locución preposicional (al día en algo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

El banco nos invitó a ponernos al corriente en el pago de nuestra deuda. Mariana se puso al corriente con la tarea de matemáticas.

The bank invited us to bring oursleves up to date with the payment of our debt.

up-to-date with

locución preposicional (enterado de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

No suelo estar al corriente de las noticias, son todas malas.

squared

locución adverbial (multiplicado por sí) (number)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Para resolver el ejercicio, debes elevar el resultado al cuadrado.

To solve the problem, you need the result squared.

to which

locución pronominal (al que)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

El público al cual se orienta no se siente representado.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. The person to whom you are referring hasn't been here in over a year.

cubed

locución adverbial (tres veces por si) (number)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Debes elevar el resultado al cubo para terminar.

You must make the number cubed to finish.

under the care of, in the care of

locución preposicional (a cargo de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Dejamos los niños al cuidado de su abuela. Mientras estuve de viaje, mis gatos estuvieron al cuidado de mi vecina.

We left the children in the care of (or: under the care of) their grandmother.

off pat, by heart

locución adverbial (coloquial (con detalle, en profundidad)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Me sabía al dedillo todas las capitales del mundo. Lucas se sabe la lección al dedillo.

I used to know all the capitals of the world off pat. Lucas knows the lesson by heart.

around

locución adverbial (en contorno)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Hay una valla al derredor de la parcela.

bring to light, bring into the open

locución adverbial (expuesto)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Los videos secretos pusieron al descubierto los cuestionables manejos del presidente de la asociación.

The secret videos brought to light (or: brought into the open) the questionable practices of the President of the association.

in an unguarded moment

locución adverbial (con disimulo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Le robaron la cartera al descuido.

carelessly

locución preposicional (descuido, desinterés)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Se puso el traje de comunión al desgaire, estaba claro que no le gustaba.

naked, nude

locución adverbial (sin adorno ni cubierta)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

at the break of dawn, at the crack of dawn

locución adverbial (al amanecer)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Partiremos de Toledo al rayar el alba, con la primera luz.

retail

locución adverbial (CO, VE (al por menor)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Compré los ingredientes de los pasteles al detal y me salieron carísimos.

retail

locución adjetiva (CO, VE (al por menor)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

La harina al detal vale casi el doble.

retail

locución adverbial (al por menor)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Julia compró tela al detall y pagó un poco más caro.

retail

locución adjetiva (al por menor)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Los productos al detall suelen resultar más costosos.

retail

locución adverbial (al por menor)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Las tiendas del centro de la ciudad venden al detalle.

The shops in the city center sell retail.

retail

locución adjetiva (al por menor)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Los productos al detalle suelen resultar más costosos.

Retail products usually work out more expensive.

in detail

locución adverbial (con minucia)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Mariana nos contó al detalle las aventuras de su viaje.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. The eye witness gave the police a detailed (or: thorough) account of what happened.

up to date

locución adverbial (con información actual)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Como periodista, Diego tiene que leer los diarios para estar al día.

As a journalist, Diego has to read the newspapers to bring himself up to date.

up to date

locución adverbial (sin retraso)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Cuando empezamos a tener dificultades para pagar nuestras deudas, el banco nos llamaba cada semana para pedirnos que nos pusiéramos al día.

When we started to fall behind, the bank called us every week to ask us to get up to date with debt payments.

Let's learn Spanish

So now that you know more about the meaning of al in Spanish, you can learn how to use them through selected examples and how to read them. And remember to learn the related words that we suggest. Our website is constantly updating with new words and new examples so you can look up the meanings of other words you don't know in Spanish.

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