que se remonta a
/ke se ɾemonta a/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'dating back' is translated into Spanish as que se remonta a.
This phrase is used to describe the historical origin or the starting point of an object, tradition or era.
Which one should you use?
While que se remonta a is the standard way to express this, you may encounter other formal variations. Remontándose is a formal way to convey the same idea, and Con una historia que se extiende hasta translates to 'with a history that extends to.' If you wish to emphasize a very distant past, you can use Desde tiempos remotos, which means 'since ancient times.'
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb must agree with the subject being described. If the subject is plural, you must use the third-person plural form que se remontan a.
How do you pronounce it?
/ke se ɾemonta a/
Did you know?
- The verb remontar literally means 'to mount again' or 'to go back up', imagining history as a river that one swims upstream to reach the source.
- In Spanish, the word remontar is also used in sports to describe a 'comeback' victory when a team recovers from a losing position.
- The verb 'remonta' comes from 'montar', which is the same verb used for 'to ride' or 'to mount' a horse.
Examples in context
- El origen de esta tradición se remonta a más de cinco siglos atrás.The origin of this tradition dates back over five centuries.
- Esta iglesia majestuosa tiene una historia que se extiende hasta la época medieval.This majestic church has a history dating back to the medieval era.
- Este refrán viene de hace mucho tiempo.This saying dates back a long time.
- El amor por el fútbol en este país viene desde siempre.The love for soccer in this country dates back forever.
- La tradición culinaria de esta región mexicana se remonta a tiempos antiguos y ha evolucionado a lo largo de los siglos.The culinary tradition of this Mexican region dates back to ancient times and has evolved over the centuries.
- Es una tradición que se remonta a la época colonial.It is a tradition dating back to the colonial era.
- Tengo una deuda que se remonta a la infancia.I have a debt dating back to my childhood.
- Buscamos un conflicto que se remonta a la guerra.We are looking for a conflict dating back to the war.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are visiting an old museum in the city center.
- Lucía¿Sabes de qué época es esta estatua?Do you know what era this statue is from?
- JavierEs una pieza que se remonta al siglo dieciocho.It is a piece dating back to the eighteenth century.
- Lucía¡Qué increíble que sea tan antigua!How incredible that it is so old!
- JavierSí, Lucía, es realmente impresionante.Yes, Lucía, it is truly impressive.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
