More about using à

• à is a very handy preposition and can cover a number of different meanings in English.



• It can mean 'to' or 'at' when talking about directions:

À la Place de la Fontance, tournez à gauche At the Fountain Square, turn (to the) left



• à is also used to talk about where you're going, meaning 'to':

Hakim va à Paris

Hakim's going to Paris



• Or it can describe where you are, meaning 'in' :

Hakim est à Paris

Hakim's in Paris



• à can also describe what something is used for:



une tasse à thé un verre à vin

a teacup (literally 'a cup for tea') a wine glass (literally 'a glass for wine')



• You can also use à to describe the style or way something is done.
  You'll see this a lot in recipes or names of popular dishes:

Haricots à la provençale Provencal-style beans (with tomatoes, olive oil and garlic) Côte de bœuf à l'anglaise English style beef (on the bone)

See also le, la and un sandwich au camembert