ir hacia atrás
/iɾ aθja atɾas/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'go to back' is expressed as ir hacia atrás.
The phrase is used to describe moving in a direction that is opposite to where one is currently facing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase hacia atrás is composed of the preposition hacia (towards) and the adverb atrás (back/behind).
Which one should you use?
Ir hacia atrás (to go backwards) is the direct antonym of ir hacia adelante (to go forward).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is more common to say Vete para atrás rather than Ve hacia atrás.
How does it change in a sentence?
When giving a command to a single person informally, the verb ir changes to the imperative form vete, as seen in vete hacia atrás.
How do you pronounce it?
/iɾ aθja atɾas/
Did you know?
- The word hacia comes from the Latin phrase faciem ad, which literally means 'facing towards' a face.
- In a dance context, such as salsa or bachata, a lead might use atrás to signal a specific step, which is an essential part of the rhythmic structure rather than just a direction.
- In Spanish, the concept of moving backwards is often linked to the idea of 'returning' or 'regressing' through the verb retroceder, which is used in more formal or technical contexts than ir hacia atrás.
Examples in context
- Debes ir hacia atrás para ver mejor.You should move backward to see better.
- El coche tiene que ir hacia atrás.The car has to go backward.
Example conversation
Daniel is helping María take a photo.
- DanielMaría, estás muy cerca de la cámara.María, you are too close to the camera.
- María¿Debo ir hacia atrás?Should I move back?
- DanielSí, ve hacia atrás dos pasos.Yes, move back two steps.
- MaríaAhora estoy en una buena posición.Now I am in a good position.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atrás, hacia, ir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
