How to Say “Before” in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning how to say “before” in Spanish is an essential step towards mastering the language. Whether you’re planning to visit a Spanish-speaking country, connect with Spanish-speaking friends, or simply expand your linguistic skills, understanding the various ways to express “before” in Spanish will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to say “before” in Spanish, and provide you with useful tips, examples, and regional variations.

Formal Ways to Say “Before” in Spanish

When it comes to formal situations, such as academic or professional settings, it is essential to use appropriate and polite language. Here are some formal ways to say “before” in Spanish:

1. Antes de – This is the most standard and formal way to say “before” in Spanish. It is widely used in all Spanish-speaking regions and is suitable for both written and spoken language. For example: “I arrived before the meeting started” translates to “Llegué antes de que empezara la reunión.”
2. Previo a – This phrase is more commonly used in formal writing or official documents. It conveys a sense of preparation or anticipation. For example: “The report must be submitted before the deadline” translates to “El informe debe ser entregado previo a la fecha límite.”
3. Con anterioridad a – This is a more elaborate and formal way to express “before” in Spanish. It is often used in legal or technical contexts. For example: “Please provide your feedback before the end of the month” translates to “Por favor, proporcione sus comentarios con anterioridad a fin de mes.”

Informal Ways to Say “Before” in Spanish

Informal situations, like chatting with friends or family, allow for a more relaxed language. Here are some informal ways to say “before” in Spanish:

1. Antes – This is the most common and versatile way to say “before” in Spanish. It is suitable for both spoken and written language in informal contexts. For example: “I’ll call you before dinner” translates to “Te llamaré antes de la cena.”
2. Antes que – This expression is often used in informal conversations when emphasizing one action taking place before another. For example: “I want to finish my homework before watching TV” translates to “Quiero terminar mi tarea antes que ver la televisión.”
3. Previo – This term is sometimes used informally to say “before.” While it is more commonly used formally, it can also be used in casual conversations. For example: “We need to buy groceries before going home” translates to “Necesitamos comprar comida previo a ir a casa.”

Regional Variations

Spanish is spoken in various countries, each with its own regional variations. While the formal and informal ways to say “before” mentioned above are understood and accepted across Spanish-speaking regions, there are slight variations in certain places. Here are some examples:

In Spain, it is more common to use “antes de que” in formal situations, while “antes” is widely used in informal contexts.

In Mexico and some parts of Central America, it is common to hear “antes de que” in both formal and informal situations.

These regional variations are minimal, and using the previously mentioned formal and informal phrases will generally be understood and appreciated by native Spanish speakers regardless of their regional differences.

Additional Tips and Examples

Below are some additional tips and examples to further enhance your understanding of how to say “before” in Spanish:

• Use “antes” with an infinitive verb: When expressing an action that took place before another, use “antes” followed by an infinitive form of the verb. For example: “She left before eating” translates to “Ella se fue antes de comer.”
• Combine “antes” with “que”: To specify the moment or event that something occurs before, combine “antes” with “que.” For example: “We arrived before they started the concert” translates to “Llegamos antes de que comenzaran el concierto.”
• Consider using “-mente” adverbs: In some cases, adverbs ending in “-mente” can be added to provide more flexibility. For example: “I met her shortly before the party” translates to “La conocí poco antes del fiesta.”