en sentido antihorario
/en sentido antjoɾaɾjo/from spelling rules
The English phrase counter clockwise is translated into Spanish as en sentido antihorario.
This phrase is used to describe movement in the opposite direction to the way the hands of a clock move.
What does it mean word for word?
The word antihorario is a compound consisting of the prefix anti- (against) and horario (relating to the hour or clock).
Which one should you use?
The phrase en sentido antihorario is the direct opposite of en sentido horario, which means clockwise. You can also use the more descriptive phrase sentido contrario a las agujas del reloj, which literally translates to 'direction contrary to the hands of the clock'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is typically used with the preposition en to indicate the direction of movement.
How do you pronounce it?
/en sentido antjoɾaɾjo/
Did you know?
- The word sentido in en sentido antihorario comes from the verb sentir meaning 'to feel'. It evolved from 'feeling' to 'direction' because a direction is how one perceives or feels a path.
- In formal or older Spanish texts, the phrase en sentido levógiro may be used instead of antihorario.
- In casual settings, Spanish speakers often use al revés instead of the technical en sentido antihorario to describe backward rotation.
Examples in context
- El siguiente paso debe realizarse en sentido contrario a las agujas del relojThe next step should be taken in a counter clockwise direction
- Debes mover el dial en sentido antihorario.You must move the dial counter clockwise.
- El tornillo gira en sentido antihorario.The screw turns counter clockwise.
Example conversation
María is teaching Daniel how to open a jar.
- MaríaDaniel, gira la tapa en sentido antihorario.Daniel, turn the lid counter clockwise.
- Daniel¿En sentido antihorario?Counter clockwise?
- MaríaSí, así se abre el frasco.Yes, that's how the jar opens.
- DanielAh, ya lo logré.Ah, I did it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
