caminar hacia atrás
/kaminaɾ aθja atɾas/from spelling rules
To walk backwards in Spanish is caminar hacia atrás.
The phrase is used to describe moving on foot in a direction opposite to where one is facing. You can also use the verb andar instead of caminar to express the same idea, as in andar hacia atrás.
What does it mean word for word?
The component hacia atrás literally means towards the back.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the continuous action of walking backwards, use the gerund caminando with the phrase: caminando hacia atrás.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaminaɾ aθja atɾas/
Did you know?
- The word hacia comes from the Latin phrase faciem ad, which means 'facing towards'.
- While caminar hacia atrás describes the physical act, Spanish speakers use the related term dar un paso atrás to describe a metaphorical retreat or a change of opinion.
- In Spanish, you can use andar or caminar for this phrase, but andar often implies a more general or aimless movement than the structured act of caminar.
Examples in context
- El profesor pidió al alumno que caminara hacia atrás.The teacher asked the student to walk backwards.
- El guardaespaldas debía andar hacia atrás, siempre vigilando.The bodyguard had to walk backwards, always keeping watch.
- No te tropieces, camina para atrás si es necesario.Don't trip, walk backwards if necessary.
- Ahora tienes que ir hacia atrás unos pasos.Now you have to walk backwards a few steps.
- No puedes caminar hacia atrás sin caerte.You cannot walk backwards without falling.
- El actor tuvo que caminar hacia atrás en la escena.The actor had to walk backwards in the scene.
- Ten cuidado al caminar hacia atrás en el pasillo.Be careful when walking backwards in the hallway.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are filming a video in a park.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿puedes caminar hacia atrás mientras grabas?Daniel, can you walk backwards while filming?
- DanielSí, pero necesito espacio para no caer.Yes, but I need space so I don't fall.
- MaríaNo te preocupes, yo te vigilo.Don't worry, I'll watch you.
- DanielEstá bien, entonces empiezo ahora.Alright, then I'll start now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atrás, caminar, hacia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
