lo (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The word "lo" functions as a pronoun in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/lo/

Translation Options into English

1. it
2. that
3. the (used for emphasis in certain contexts)

Meaning and Usage in Spanish

"Lo" is commonly used as an object pronoun that refers to a previously mentioned noun or concept, often for emphasis or clarification. It serves various functions in sentences, such as: - Object pronoun: "Lo vi ayer" (I saw him/it yesterday). - To introduce an idea or concept: "Lo importante es que llegues a tiempo" (The important thing is that you arrive on time). - In expressions or phrases.

It is a very frequent word in Spanish, used in both oral and written contexts, although it appears more often in spoken language due to its role in everyday conversation.

Example Sentences

1. Lo encontré en la tienda.

2. I found him/it in the store.

3. No lo sabía hasta hoy.

4. I didn't know it until today.

5. Lo que más me gusta es tu sinceridad.

6. What I like the most is your honesty.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Lo" is frequently part of many idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Here are some examples:

1. Lo bueno, si breve, dos veces bueno.

2. The good thing, if brief, is twice as good.

3. Lo que se da no se quita.

4. What is given cannot be taken back.

5. Lo que pasa es que...

6. What’s happening is that...

7. Lo importante es participar.

8. The important thing is to participate.

9. Lo mismo da.

10. It’s all the same.

Example Sentences with Idiomatic Expressions

1. Lo bueno, si breve, dos veces bueno; no hablemos más del tema.

2. The good thing, if brief, is twice as good; let’s not talk about the topic anymore.

3. Lo que se da no se quita, así que acepta el regalo sin dudar.

4. What is given cannot be taken back, so accept the gift without hesitation.

5. Lo que pasa es que no tengo tiempo para discutir.

6. What’s happening is that I don’t have time to discuss.

7. Lo importante es participar, aunque no ganes.

8. The important thing is to participate, even if you don't win.

9. Lo mismo da si llegamos tarde; la fiesta recién empieza.

10. It’s all the same if we arrive late; the party has just started.

Etymology

The word "lo" comes from the Latin pronoun "illud," which evolved into the Old Spanish "lo" for neuter and gender-neutral uses.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - ello (it) - aquello (that)

Antonyms: "Dicha" or "esa," depending on the context, but there is no direct antonym since it primarily serves as an object pronoun.

In summary, "lo" is an essential pronoun in the Spanish language with a variety of uses and frequent presence in everyday conversation and written context, also featuring prominently in numerous idiomatic expressions.