antes — meaning in English: before

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for before

increíble

algún

antes

comida

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Spanish for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use 'antes' in a variety of situations, such as discussing past events or setting chronological order in conversations. For instance, one might say 'antes de comer' (before eating) when discussing meal prep, or 'antes de ir al cine' (before going to the movies) when making plans.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'antes' means 'before', a similar word, 'previo', is often used in formal contexts to refer to something occurring 'prior to' an event. Choose 'antes' for everyday conversation and 'previo' for more formal writing.

Culture

'Antes' comes from the Latin word 'ante,' which means 'before' as well. This concept of time is deeply ingrained in Spanish culture, often reflected in proverbs like 'Más vale tarde que nunca,' which translates to 'Better late than never,' emphasizing the value of timing in life.

FAQ

Q.How do you use 'antes' in a sentence?

'Antes' is often used to refer to an action that occurs before another action, e.g., 'Antes de salir, apaga la luz' (Before leaving, turn off the light).

Q.Is 'antes' used only for time?

Primarily, yes, 'antes' refers to time. However, it can also imply precedence in other contexts, such as values or priorities, like in 'El trabajo es antes que el descanso' (Work comes before rest).

Q.What are common mistakes with 'antes'?

A common mistake is to confuse 'antes' with 'antes de que' (before that), which is used to specify actions that require a subjunctive verb. Remember to use the subjunctive when the action that follows is uncertain or hypothetical.

Learn spanish with Maspeak →

Spanish 1000