Grammar question

[garoo]

Hola everyone,

I'm self studying spanish, have a grammar question. Was hoping someone could help. In the sentence:

No conozco a mi vecino.

why don't I say --- No conozco mi vecino.

Can i omit the "a" in the sentence?

Thanks,
Garoo

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

When talking about people, we always insert that "a" and it's not optional.
Informally, it is called the personal a.
It shows some sort of respect for the person.

- Me comí un chocolate.
I ate a chocolate.
- Godzila se comió a mi hermano.
Godzilla ate my brother.
(Even when eating someone is not very respecful, the preposition introduces the person.)

- Llevo adornos para la fiesta.
I'm taking ornaments for the party.
- Llevo a los niños a la escuela.
I'm taking the children to school.

- Amo la vida.
I love life.
- Amo a mis padres.
I love my parents.