marcha atrás
/maɾt͡ʃa atɾas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'reverse' (to cause a mechanism or vehicle to operate in the opposite direction) is translated into Spanish as marcha atrás.
marcha atrás is used when referring to the mechanical movement of a vehicle in the opposite direction. For example, you can use the phrase poner la marcha atrás to say you are 'putting the car in reverse'. Other related terms for 'gear' include retroceso and reversa.
Meaning: to cause a mechanism or vehicle to operate or move in the opposite directions (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase marcha atrás is composed of marcha (meaning march, movement or gear) and atrás (meaning backwards or behind).
Which one should you use?
While marcha atrás is standard, you should use al revés when referring to something being oriented incorrectly, such as a shirt being inside out or upside down. To indicate a reversal of a process or something being moved backwards, you can also use en sentido contrario or a la inversa.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the common expression for 'reverse' is marcha atrás. In many Latin American countries, it is common to use the word reversa to refer to the reverse gear.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/maɾtʃa atɾas/
Did you know?
- The word marcha is also used in the slang expression estar de marcha to describe going out to party and dance through the night.
- While marcha atrás refers to vehicles, the phrase dar marcha atrás is often used figuratively to mean backing out of a deal or changing one's mind about a decision.
- The word atrás comes from the Vulgar Latin ad trans, meaning 'beyond', which differs from the standard Latin root for 'behind'.
Examples in context
- Pon el coche en marcha atrás.Put the car in reverse.This sentence is useful for learning how to say 'Put the car in reverse' using marcha atrás.
- Lee el documento al revés para obtener la información completa.Read the document in reverse to get the full information.
- Debes dar la vuelta a la página y leerla al revés.You should turn the page and read it in reverse.
- Para resolver el problema, debemos pensar a la inversa.To solve the problem, we must think in reverse.
- El resultado obtenido fue el contrario del esperado, así que lo analizaremos a la inversa.The obtained result was the opposite of expected, so we will analyze it in reverse.
- Me puse los zapatos del revés y no me di cuenta.I put my shoes on the wrong way round and didn't realize it.
- Después de la fiesta, la casa quedó patas arriba.After the party, the house was a mess.
- La oficina se encuentra patas arriba debido a las obras de construcción.The office is upside down due to the construction work.
- Debes estacionar el coche en reversa.You should park the car in reverse.
- El conductor retrocedió en reversa rápidamente para evitar el obstáculo.The driver quickly reversed to avoid the obstacle.
- Para aparcar correctamente, pon el coche en marcha atrás.To park correctly, put the car in reverse.
- El conductor puso la marcha atrás lentamente.The driver put the car in reverse slowly.
- No puedo poner la marcha atrás ahora.I cannot put it in reverse now.
Example conversation
Javier is helping Elena park her car in a narrow street.
- Elena¿Debo poner la marcha atrás, Javier?Should I put it in reverse, Javier?
- JavierSí, Elena, pon la marcha atrás con cuidado.Yes, Elena, put it in reverse carefully.
- ElenaEstá muy difícil maniobrar en marcha atrás.It is very difficult to maneuver in reverse.
- JavierTú puedes hacerlo, vas muy bien.You can do it, you are doing very well.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry marcha atrás, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atrás, marcha, marcha atrás, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
