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A1 adverb #3,000 الأكثر شيوعاً 11 دقيقة للقراءة

delante

الأكثر شيوعاً #3,000

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح delante في 30 ثانية

الشرح delante in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'delante' is one of the first spatial adverbs you will learn. It is primarily used to describe where objects are in a simple, physical environment. For example, you might use it to describe your house, your classroom, or your family. The most important thing to remember at this stage is the 'delante de' structure. When you want to say something is in front of something else, always use 'de'. You will use it with basic nouns like 'mesa' (table), 'silla' (chair), 'casa' (house), and 'coche' (car). You should also learn its opposite, 'detrás' (behind), as they are usually taught together. Think of 'delante' as a way to point out the most visible things in a room. If you are looking at a picture, the things 'delante' are in the foreground. It is a very helpful word for basic communication and following simple instructions from a teacher or a guide. For example, 'Pon el libro delante de ti' (Put the book in front of you).

As you move to A2, you will start using 'delante' in more dynamic situations, such as giving directions or describing people's positions in a queue. You will also become more comfortable using it with pronouns, such as 'delante de mí' or 'delante de nosotros'. At this level, you should begin to distinguish 'delante' from 'adelante'. While 'delante' is a spot, 'adelante' is a movement. For instance, if you are driving and someone says 'El coche de delante va muy despacio,' they are referring to the car physically in front of you. If they say 'Sigue adelante,' they want you to keep driving forward. You will also use 'delante' to talk about social situations, like speaking 'delante de la clase' (in front of the class). This level focuses on expanding the contexts in which you can apply this basic spatial concept, moving from simple objects to more complex social and navigational scenarios. You will also start to notice 'delante' in common short phrases used in daily life, such as 'Pasa delante' (Go ahead/after you), which is a polite way to let someone enter a door before you.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B1 level, you will begin to use 'delante' in more abstract and figurative ways. While physical location remains the primary use, you will encounter phrases like 'tener un problema delante' (to have a problem in front of one) or 'lo que tienes delante de los ojos' (what you have right in front of your eyes), implying something obvious that is being ignored. You will also start to see 'delante' used in more complex grammatical structures, such as within relative clauses: 'La casa delante de la cual aparqué' (The house in front of which I parked). Your understanding of the nuances between 'delante', 'enfrente', and 'frente a' should become more precise. You will recognize that 'delante' is about proximity and sequence, whereas 'enfrente' is about orientation and facing. This level also involves using 'delante' in the context of professional or semi-formal settings, such as 'presentar un proyecto delante del jefe' (presenting a project in front of the boss). You are now expected to use the word not just to describe, but to explain and narrate events where relative positions matter.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

By B2, your use of 'delante' should be fluid and grammatically accurate, especially regarding the 'delante de mí' vs 'delante mío' distinction. You will use 'delante' in idiomatic expressions and more sophisticated rhetorical contexts. For example, 'ponerse por delante' can mean to prioritize something or to get ahead of others in a competitive sense. You will also understand how 'delante' functions in literary texts to create atmosphere or emphasize the presence of a character before another. At this level, you might use 'delante' to discuss social issues, such as 'los retos que tiene la sociedad delante' (the challenges society has ahead). You will also be able to use it in the passive voice or with impersonal 'se' constructions: 'Se colocaron vallas delante del edificio' (Fences were placed in front of the building). Your ability to choose between 'delante' and its more formal counterpart 'ante' will improve, allowing you to adjust your register according to the audience. You will notice 'delante' in news reports and more complex media, where it is used to describe the positions of political figures or the progression of events.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of 'delante' and its various synonyms. You will use it to express subtle differences in perspective and focus. In academic or professional writing, you might use 'delante' to describe the layout of a physical experiment or the visual organization of a document. You will also be familiar with more archaic or literary uses of 'delante' that might appear in classical Spanish literature. You can use 'delante' to create complex spatial metaphors in your own writing and speaking. For example, you might talk about 'la inmensidad que se extendía delante de él' (the immensity that stretched out before him). At this stage, you are also aware of regional variations in the use of 'delante' and can navigate them effectively. You understand the historical development of the word and how it relates to other Romance languages. Your use of 'delante' is no longer just about 'where things are' but about how space is perceived and constructed through language. You can use it to precisely describe artistic compositions or complex architectural designs.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like intuition for the use of 'delante'. You can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as legal, philosophical, or technical discourses. You understand the subtle rhythmic and stylistic effects of placing 'delante' in different parts of a sentence. You can analyze and use 'delante' in the context of advanced linguistics, discussing its role as a spatial deictic marker. You are comfortable using 'delante' in high-level debating, where you might use it to frame an argument: 'Delante de tal evidencia, no podemos sino concluir que...' (In the face of such evidence, we can only conclude that...). Your mastery includes a deep understanding of all idiomatic and metaphorical uses, and you can even play with the word's meaning for ironic or poetic effect. You can read and interpret 16th-century texts where 'delante' might have slightly different connotations or be part of now-obsolete constructions. For a C2 learner, 'delante' is a versatile tool used with precision to convey exact spatial, social, and conceptual relationships in any given situation, matching the sophistication of a highly educated native speaker.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

delante في 30 ثانية

'Delante' means 'in front of' or 'ahead' in Spanish.
It usually requires 'de' when followed by a noun or pronoun.
It is the opposite of 'detrás' (behind).
It describes static position, while 'adelante' describes movement forward.

The Spanish word delante is a fundamental spatial adverb that signifies being in a position further forward or in the presence of something or someone. At its core, it translates to 'in front' or 'ahead' in English. Unlike English, which often uses 'in front of' as a single prepositional unit, Spanish frequently pairs the adverb delante with the preposition de to create the compound prepositional phrase delante de. This distinction is crucial for learners to master early on because it dictates how the word interacts with nouns and pronouns.

Physical Location: Used to describe the static position of an object relative to another. For example, a car parked in front of a house or a person standing in front of a mirror. It implies a fixed spatial relationship rather than movement toward the front.

Hay un jardín muy bonito delante de la entrada principal del edificio.

Beyond mere physical placement, delante carries a social and situational weight. It is used when one is 'in the presence of' authority figures, audiences, or witnesses. If you are testifying in court, you are delante del juez (in front of the judge). If you are performing, you are delante del público (in front of the audience). This usage highlights the concept of visibility and accountability. When you do something delante de alguien, you are doing it where they can see you, often implying a sense of transparency or, conversely, a lack of privacy.

Order and Sequence: In a queue or a list, the person who is 'delante' is the one who arrived earlier or has a higher priority in the sequence. It is the opposite of 'detrás' (behind).

Por favor, pase usted delante; yo no tengo ninguna prisa hoy.

In more abstract terms, delante can refer to the future or tasks that lie ahead. While 'adelante' is more common for 'moving forward,' delante can describe the challenges situated 'in front of' us. For instance, 'tenemos un gran reto delante' (we have a great challenge ahead). This conceptual use bridges the gap between physical space and temporal progression, showing how Spanish speakers visualize the future as something physically situated in front of their current position.

Comparison with 'Enfrente': While 'delante' means in front, 'enfrente' usually implies 'opposite' or 'facing.' If you are 'delante de la mesa,' you are at the front of it. If you are 'enfrente de la mesa,' you are across from it. Understanding this distinction is vital for accurate descriptions of scenes.

El profesor siempre se sitúa delante de la pizarra para explicar la lección.

No digas mentiras delante de los niños, ellos lo entienden todo.

Mastering the use of delante requires understanding its grammatical behavior, particularly its relationship with the preposition de and its distinction from directional adverbs like adelante. In Spanish, when an adverb of place is followed by a noun or a pronoun, it almost always transforms into a prepositional phrase by adding de. This is a rigid rule that learners must internalize to avoid sounding unnatural.

The 'Delante de' Construction: Whenever you specify what the object is in front of, you must use 'de'. For example: 'delante de la casa', 'delante de ti', 'delante de nosotros'. Note that with pronouns, we use the prepositional forms (mí, ti, él, etc.), not the subject forms (yo, tú).

Puse las llaves justo delante de la televisión para no olvidarlas.

Another common point of confusion is the difference between delante and adelante. While delante indicates a static position (in front), adelante usually indicates movement (forward) or a destination. If you are inviting someone to enter a room, you say '¡Adelante!' (Come in / Go forward). If you are describing where the chair is, you say 'La silla está delante de la mesa.' However, in some Latin American dialects, these two are occasionally used interchangeably in colloquial speech, but for standard Spanish, the distinction remains clear.

Using 'Delante' Alone: When the reference point is already known, 'delante' can function as a standalone adverb. If someone asks, '¿Dónde está el coche?', you can simply reply 'Está delante' if you both know you mean in front of the building you are currently in.

El primer corredor va muy delante del resto del grupo.

In formal writing, delante is often used to describe legal or official presence. Phrases like 'comparecer delante de la autoridad' (to appear before the authority) are common. In these contexts, it emphasizes the face-to-face nature of the interaction. It is also used in figurative language, such as 'tener la vida por delante' (to have one's whole life ahead), which is a very common idiom used to encourage young people.

Positioning with Verbs of Perception: Verbs like 'ver', 'mirar', and 'pasar' often take 'delante' to indicate the field of vision or the path of movement. 'Pasó delante de mí sin saludar' (He passed in front of me without saying hello).

No te pongas delante de la cámara mientras estoy grabando.

Tienes un gran futuro delante de ti si sigues estudiando así.

The word delante is ubiquitous in Spanish-speaking environments, from the domestic sphere to professional settings. In a typical Spanish home, you will hear it constantly when family members are looking for misplaced items or giving directions within the house. '¿Dónde están mis zapatos?' – 'Están allí, delante del sofá.' It is a basic building block of spatial navigation that children learn almost as soon as they begin to speak.

In the Classroom: Teachers use 'delante' to organize students. 'Juan, siéntate delante' (Juan, sit in the front). It is also used when students are asked to present: 'Ponte delante de la clase y lee tu redacción' (Stand in front of the class and read your essay).

Los niños de primera fila están sentados justo delante del profesor.

In urban environments, delante is essential for giving and receiving directions. If you are taking a taxi or a bus, the driver might tell you where the stop is: 'La parada está justo delante de la catedral.' In a queue (la cola), people are very sensitive to who is delante and who is detrás. If someone tries to cut in, you might hear a sharp '¡Oiga, yo estaba delante!' (Hey, I was in front!). This usage highlights the social contract of waiting your turn.

In Sports and Competition: Sports commentators use it to describe the position of athletes. 'El corredor keniano se ha puesto delante' (The Kenyan runner has moved to the front). It denotes leadership and physical advantage in a race or match.

El equipo local se puso delante en el marcador en el primer minuto.

In the world of media and performance, delante is technical. Actors talk about being 'delante de las cámaras' (in front of the cameras) or 'delante del micrófono' (in front of the microphone). This signifies the transition from the private 'backstage' (detrás de las cámaras) to the public performance. It is a word that defines the boundary between the observer and the observed.

Social Etiquette and Manners: Parents often scold children by saying 'No se habla con la boca llena delante de la gente' (One doesn't speak with a full mouth in front of people). Here, 'delante' serves as a marker for social conduct and the presence of others.

Siempre me pongo nervioso cuando tengo que hablar delante de mucha gente.

¿Ves ese árbol que está delante de la iglesia? Allí nos vemos.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with delante is confusing it with adelante. In English, 'ahead' and 'in front' are often interchangeable, but in Spanish, the distinction is sharper. Delante refers to a specific, static location, while adelante typically implies movement or a direction toward the front. Saying 'Camina delante' means 'Walk in the front position,' while 'Camina adelante' means 'Walk forward.'

The 'De' Omission: Learners often forget to include 'de' when 'delante' is followed by a noun. They might say *'delante la mesa'* instead of the correct 'delante de la mesa'. This is likely because the English 'in front' only sometimes uses 'of' (e.g., 'ahead of' vs. 'in front'). In Spanish, the 'de' is mandatory if a noun follows.

Incorrecto: El perro está delante la puerta.
Correcto: El perro está delante de la puerta.

Another common pitfall involves possessive pronouns. Many native speakers and learners alike say 'delante mío', 'delante tuyo', or 'delante suyo'. While you will hear this frequently in informal speech across the Spanish-speaking world, the Real Academia Española (RAE) considers it technically incorrect. The standard grammatical construction is 'delante de mí', 'delante de ti', 'delante de él/ella'. The reasoning is that 'delante' is an adverb, not a noun, and therefore cannot be modified by a possessive adjective.

Confusing with 'Antes': Sometimes learners confuse spatial 'in front' with temporal 'before'. 'Delante' is for space; 'antes' is for time. You don't say *'delante del lunes'*, you say 'antes del lunes'. However, in a line of people, 'delante' implies arriving 'antes'.

Evita decir delante mío en contextos formales; lo mejor es decir delante de mí.

Lastly, be careful with the word frente. While frente a can mean 'in front of,' it often implies facing each other or confronting something. Delante de is more neutral and simply describes the physical arrangement. If you are standing with your back to someone, you are still delante de them, but you are not frente a them. This subtle difference in orientation is key for precise descriptions in Spanish.

Misusing 'Ante': 'Ante' is a more formal preposition that also means 'before' or 'in the presence of'. Learners often use 'delante de' where 'ante' would be more appropriate in literature or legal documents, and vice versa. 'Ante la duda' (When in doubt) is a fixed expression where 'delante' would not work.

No confundas delante (posición) con adelante (dirección o movimiento).

Recuerda: delante de + sustantivo es la estructura obligatoria.

Spanish offers a rich palette of words to describe spatial relationships, and delante is just one of many options. Choosing the right synonym or alternative depends heavily on the context, the orientation of the objects, and the level of formality required. Understanding these nuances will help you move from basic fluency to a more sophisticated command of the language.

Adelante vs. Delante: As discussed, 'adelante' is directional. Use 'delante' for 'where it is' and 'adelante' for 'where it's going'. Example: 'El coche está delante' (The car is in front) vs. 'El coche sigue adelante' (The car continues forward).

Sigue adelante hasta que veas el banco que está delante de la plaza.

Then we have enfrente and frente a. These are often the most confusing for learners. Enfrente means 'opposite' or 'across from'. If you are sitting 'delante de mí', you might be facing the same way as me, just further ahead. If you are 'enfrente de mí', we are facing each other. Frente a is similar but often used to describe buildings or locations across a street: 'Mi casa está frente al parque'. It can also mean 'in the face of' a problem or situation.

Ante: 'Ante' is a formal preposition. It is used in literature and legal contexts to mean 'before' or 'in the presence of'. Example: 'Se presentó ante el tribunal' (He presented himself before the court). It is rarely used in casual conversation to describe physical objects.

El caballero se arrodilló ante la reina en señal de respeto.

Another alternative is al frente de. This specifically means 'at the head of' or 'in charge of'. While 'delante de la fila' means you are the first person in line, 'al frente de la empresa' means you are the CEO or manager. It denotes leadership and responsibility rather than just spatial positioning. Similarly, 'por delante' can be used to indicate that something is still to come or that someone is ahead in a competition.

En presencia de: This is a longer, more formal way to say 'delante de' when referring to people. It is often used in formal reports or storytelling to emphasize that others were watching or witnessing an event.

El contrato fue firmado en presencia de dos testigos y un notario.

No es lo mismo estar delante de alguien que estar enfrente de alguien.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The word 'delantal' (apron) comes from 'delante' because it is a garment worn 'in front' of your clothes to protect them.

دليل النطق

UK /deˈlante/

US /deˈlante/

The stress falls on the penultimate (second to last) syllable: de-LAN-te.

يتقافى مع

bastante durante interesante gigante brillante elegante estante tirante

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing the 'd' too hard like an English 'd'.
Aspirating the 't' so it sounds like 't-hah'.
Changing the final 'e' to an 'i' sound.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it is a high-frequency A1 word.

الكتابة 2/5

Slightly harder because you must remember to use 'de' and avoid 'delante mío'.

التحدث 2/5

Requires practice to distinguish from 'adelante' and 'enfrente' in real-time.

الاستماع 1/5

Clearly pronounced and usually easy to distinguish in conversation.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

casa mesa coche estar de

تعلّم لاحقاً

detrás enfrente adelante encima debajo

متقدم

ante al frente de preceder antelación

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Adverbs of place + 'de'

delante de la casa, detrás del árbol.

Prepositional pronouns

delante de mí, delante de ti (not yo/tú).

Adverb vs Preposition

'Está delante' (adverb) vs 'Está delante de la mesa' (prepositional phrase).

Static vs Dynamic

'Delante' is static; 'Adelante' is dynamic/movement.

Possessive restriction

Standard Spanish avoids 'delante mío' in favor of 'delante de mí'.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

El perro está delante de la casa.

The dog is in front of the house.

Uses 'delante de' followed by a noun.

Mi madre está delante de la televisión.

My mother is in front of the television.

'Delante de' indicates physical position.

El libro está delante de la lámpara.

The book is in front of the lamp.

Simple spatial relationship.

Yo estoy delante de ti en la fila.

I am in front of you in the line.

Uses 'delante de' with the prepositional pronoun 'ti'.

Hay un árbol delante de mi ventana.

There is a tree in front of my window.

'Delante de' + possessive 'mi'.

El gato camina delante de mí.

The cat walks in front of me.

'Delante de mí' is the correct standard form.

La silla está delante de la mesa.

The chair is in front of the table.

Standard A1 spatial description.

¿Quién está delante?

Who is in front?

'Delante' used as a standalone adverb.

Por favor, siéntate delante para oír mejor.

Please, sit in the front to hear better.

'Delante' refers to the front area of a room.

El coche rojo va delante del coche azul.

The red car is in front of the blue car.

Describes relative position in motion.

Siempre me pongo delante en las fotos.

I always stand in the front in photos.

Refers to positioning in a group.

Hay una farmacia justo delante del hospital.

There is a pharmacy right in front of the hospital.

'Justo delante' adds emphasis.

No hables de eso delante de los abuelos.

Don't talk about that in front of the grandparents.

'Delante de' meaning 'in the presence of'.

El profesor escribe delante de la clase.

The teacher writes in front of the class.

Indicates the teacher's position relative to the students.

Tengo el mapa delante, pero no lo entiendo.

I have the map in front of me, but I don't understand it.

'Delante' implies 'within view'.

Pasa tú delante, yo espero aquí.

You go in front, I'll wait here.

'Delante' used to indicate order.

Tenemos un largo camino delante de nosotros.

We have a long road ahead of us.

Metaphorical use for 'ahead'.

No puedo creer que lo hiciera delante de todo el mundo.

I can't believe he did it in front of everyone.

Emphasizes public visibility.

El edificio que está delante de la plaza es el ayuntamiento.

The building in front of the square is the city hall.

Defining a location by its position.

Aparqué el coche justo delante de tu garaje, lo siento.

I parked the car right in front of your garage, sorry.

Specific spatial placement.

Ella siempre va un paso delante de los demás.

She is always one step ahead of the others.

Idiomatic use for being more advanced.

Me quedé bloqueado delante del micrófono.

I froze in front of the microphone.

Describes being in a performance position.

Pon el postre delante de cada invitado.

Place the dessert in front of each guest.

Instruction for individual placement.

El sospechoso confesó delante del detective.

The suspect confessed in front of the detective.

Formal presence context.

Se puso delante de la manifestación con una pancarta.

He stood at the front of the protest with a banner.

Indicates leadership in a group.

No deberías juzgar sin tener todos los hechos delante.

You shouldn't judge without having all the facts before you.

Figurative use meaning 'available for consideration'.

El corredor se situó delante para evitar caídas.

The runner positioned himself at the front to avoid falls.

Strategic positioning.

Apareció delante de mí como si fuera un fantasma.

He appeared in front of me as if he were a ghost.

Sudden spatial presence.

Tenía la vida por delante y muchos sueños que cumplir.

He had his whole life ahead of him and many dreams to fulfill.

Common idiom 'tener la vida por delante'.

El actor se siente cómodo delante de las cámaras.

The actor feels comfortable in front of the cameras.

Professional context.

Colocaron una valla delante de la entrada principal.

They placed a fence in front of the main entrance.

Passive-style action.

No te dejes intimidar por quien tienes delante.

Don't be intimidated by the person in front of you.

Refers to an opponent or counterpart.

La inmensidad del océano se abría delante de sus ojos.

The immensity of the ocean opened up before his eyes.

Literary and evocative usage.

Actuó con valentía delante de una situación tan adversa.

He acted bravely in the face of such an adverse situation.

'Delante de' used for abstract situations.

El manuscrito estaba delante de él, esperando ser leído.

The manuscript was before him, waiting to be read.

Emphasizes the presence of an object.

Se siente una gran responsabilidad al estar delante de un aula.

One feels a great responsibility when being in front of a classroom.

Expresses the weight of a professional position.

Puso sus intereses personales por delante del bien común.

He put his personal interests ahead of the common good.

'Poner por delante' as an idiom for prioritization.

La verdad estaba delante de ellos, pero se negaban a verla.

The truth was right in front of them, but they refused to see it.

Metaphorical spatiality for clarity.

Compareció delante del comité para explicar su decisión.

He appeared before the committee to explain his decision.

Formal/Legal context.

El paisaje que tenemos delante es fruto de siglos de erosión.

The landscape before us is the result of centuries of erosion.

Descriptive and formal.

Se postró delante del altar en un acto de profunda devoción.

He prostrated himself before the altar in an act of deep devotion.

High literary/religious register.

Delante de tal disyuntiva, el filósofo optó por el silencio.

In the face of such a dilemma, the philosopher chose silence.

Abstract framing of an argument.

La obra se despliega delante del espectador como un tapiz de emociones.

The work unfolds before the spectator like a tapestry of emotions.

Sophisticated artistic description.

No podemos ignorar la crisis que se cierne delante de nosotros.

We cannot ignore the crisis that looms before us.

Metaphorical use with 'cernirse'.

El reo mantuvo su inocencia incluso delante del verdugo.

The prisoner maintained his innocence even before the executioner.

Extreme situational context.

Toda una estirpe de guerreros pasó delante de su memoria.

A whole lineage of warriors passed before his memory.

Internalized spatial metaphor.

La evidencia científica se impone delante de cualquier prejuicio.

Scientific evidence prevails over any prejudice.

Abstract use denoting superiority or clarity.

Aquel descubrimiento puso al país delante de una nueva era.

That discovery placed the country at the threshold of a new era.

Indicates a temporal and social turning point.

تلازمات شائعة

justo delante de

delante de todo el mundo

ponerse delante

mirar hacia delante

pasar por delante

delante de las cámaras

un paso por delante

delante de los ojos

sentarse delante

quedarse delante

العبارات الشائعة

¡Pasa delante!

— A polite way to say 'After you' or 'Go ahead' when entering a place.

¡Pasa delante, por favor!

Estar delante

— To be in the front or already present.

Yo ya estaba delante cuando llegaste.

Tener algo delante

— To have something in front of you, physically or metaphorically.

Tienes un gran reto delante.

Ponerse delante

— To stand in front of something or someone.

Se puso delante de la tele.

Ir delante

— To lead the way or be ahead in a group.

Tú ve delante, yo te sigo.

Delante de mí

— In front of me. The grammatically correct form.

Se sentó delante de mí.

Lo que hay delante

— What is in front or what lies ahead.

Debemos pensar en lo que hay delante.

Por delante

— In the future or in a leading position.

Tenemos mucho trabajo por delante.

Delante de Dios

— A formal or religious expression of truth.

Lo juro delante de Dios.

Delante de la gente

— In public or in the presence of others.

No llores delante de la gente.

يُخلط عادةً مع

delante vs adelante

'Delante' is a static position (in front), while 'adelante' implies movement (forward).

delante vs enfrente

'Delante' means further ahead in space, while 'enfrente' means opposite or facing across a gap.

delante vs antes

'Delante' is spatial (in front), while 'antes' is temporal (before).

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"tener la vida por delante"

— To be young and have a whole future of possibilities.

No te preocupes, tienes toda la vida por delante.

informal/neutral

"ponerse el mundo por montera"

— (Related) To act with complete disregard for others' opinions, moving 'ahead' regardless.

Se puso el mundo por montera y se fue.

colloquial

"mirar siempre hacia delante"

— To be optimistic and focus on the future rather than the past.

Lo importante es mirar siempre hacia delante.

neutral

"ir un paso por delante"

— To be more prepared or advanced than others.

Nuestra empresa siempre va un paso por delante.

neutral

"ponerse por delante"

— To prioritize one thing over another.

Puso su carrera por delante de su familia.

neutral

"no ver más allá de sus narices"

— (Opposite concept) To be short-sighted, only seeing what is 'right in front'.

Es tan egoísta que no ve más allá de sus narices.

colloquial

"tenerlo delante de las narices"

— To have something very obvious right in front of you.

¡Pero si tienes las llaves delante de las narices!

colloquial

"echarse hacia delante"

— To lean forward or to take initiative.

Se echó hacia delante para escuchar mejor.

neutral

"llevarse por delante"

— To run over or destroy something in one's path.

El camión se llevó por delante la valla.

neutral

"delante de las barbas de alguien"

— To do something daring right in front of someone's face.

Le robó el reloj delante de sus barbas.

colloquial

سهل الخلط

delante vs adelante

Both translate to 'ahead' or 'front' in English.

Delante is a fixed point (The car is in front). Adelante is a direction (Move the car forward).

El coche está delante. / Conduce hacia adelante.

delante vs enfrente

Both involve being in the front area.

Delante is about sequence or proximity (in front of). Enfrente is about orientation (facing/opposite).

Estoy delante de la casa (near the door). / Estoy enfrente de la casa (across the street).

delante vs frente a

Sounds similar and has a related meaning.

Frente a often implies facing something or confronting a situation.

Se sentó frente a mí (facing me).

delante vs ante

Both mean 'before' or 'in front of'.

Ante is a formal preposition used for presence or metaphorical 'in the face of'. Delante is the common spatial adverb.

Juró ante el rey. / Está delante del rey.

delante vs antes

Learners confuse space and time.

Antes is for time (Before 5 PM). Delante is for space (In front of the building).

Llegué antes. / Estoy delante.

أنماط الجُمل

Sujeto + estar + delante de + sustantivo

El gato está delante de la puerta.

Sujeto + verbo + delante

Él camina delante.

Verbo (imperativo) + delante

Siéntate delante.

Tener + sustantivo + delante

Tengo un problema delante.

Pasar + delante de + pronombre

Pasó delante de nosotros.

Ponerse + por delante de + sustantivo

Se puso por delante de sus compañeros.

Sustantivo + delante de + el/la cual + verbo

La mesa delante de la cual se sentó.

Delante de + tal + sustantivo + oración

Delante de tal situación, no supo qué decir.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

delantera (front part/forward in sports)

الأفعال

adelantar (to overtake/advance)

الصفات

delantero (front/forward)

مرتبط

ante (preposition)

antes (before in time)

antelación (anticipation)

delantal (apron)

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كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

High. Essential for basic spatial communication.

أخطاء شائعة

*delante la mesa* → delante de la mesa
You must include the preposition 'de' when 'delante' is followed by a noun. This is a very common error for English speakers.
*delante mío* → delante de mí
While common in colloquial speech, possessive adjectives (mío, tuyo) should not be used with adverbs of place. Use 'de + prepositional pronoun'.
*antes de la casa* → delante de la casa
'Antes' is for time (before), while 'delante' is for space (in front of). Don't use temporal words for physical locations.
*adelante de la puerta* → delante de la puerta
'Adelante' is usually used for movement or direction. For a static location like being in front of a door, 'delante' is the correct choice.
*enfrente de mí* (when meaning in line) → delante de mí
If you are in a line, the person in front of you is 'delante'. 'Enfrente' would mean they are standing across from you facing you.

نصائح

The 'De' Rule

Always remember the 'de' when a noun follows. Think of it as 'in front OF'. In Spanish, that 'OF' (de) is never optional if the object is named.

Delante vs. Adelante

If you can replace the word with 'behind' and it makes sense, use 'delante'. If you can replace it with 'forward' and it makes sense, use 'adelante'.

Polite Gestures

When someone holds a door for you, they might say 'Pase delante'. You can respond with 'Gracias' as you walk in front of them.

Avoid Possessives

In formal writing, always use 'delante de mí/ti/él' instead of 'delante mío/tuyo/suyo'. This will make your Spanish sound more educated.

Listen for 'Detrás'

Since 'delante' and 'detrás' are opposites, they are often used together. Training your ear to hear both will help you understand spatial descriptions better.

Queuing Etiquette

In Spanish-speaking countries, knowing who is 'delante' is vital. Don't be afraid to ask '¿Quién va delante de mí?' to ensure you have the right spot.

The 'D' for Distance

Think of 'Delante' as describing the 'Distance' between you and the thing behind you. If you are 'delante', you are at the front of that distance.

Figurative Future

Remember 'tener la vida por delante'. It's a beautiful way to talk about the future and is used very frequently in Spanish.

Delante vs Enfrente

If you are looking at the back of someone's head, you are 'delante' of them. If you are looking into their eyes, you are 'enfrente' or 'frente a' them.

Soft Dental T

When saying 'delante', place your tongue against your upper teeth for the 't'. This makes it sound like a native speaker's 't' rather than the English 't'.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of a 'DELI' counter. You stand 'DELAnte' of the counter to order your sandwich.

ربط بصري

Imagine a giant letter 'D' standing right in front of a door. 'D' for 'Delante', 'D' for 'Door'.

Word Web

frente ante antes adelante delantera delantal detrás atrás

تحدٍّ

Try to describe five things in your room using 'delante de'. Then, try to use 'delante' to describe where you are in a hypothetical queue.

أصل الكلمة

From the Vulgar Latin 'de in ante'. This combines 'de' (from), 'in' (in), and 'ante' (before).

المعنى الأصلي: Literally 'from in before' or 'from the front'.

Romance (derived from Latin).

السياق الثقافي

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'delante mío' is common but considered 'incorrect' by purists.

English speakers often use 'in front of' for both 'delante' and 'enfrente'. Spanish is more precise about orientation.

'Delante de mí' - A common phrase in romantic boleros and songs. 'La vida por delante' - Title of various films and books in Spanish.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Giving directions

Está delante del banco.
Gire delante de la iglesia.
La parada está delante.

In a classroom

Siéntate delante.
Ponte delante de la pizarra.
Mira hacia delante.

At a restaurant

Ponga el plato delante del cliente.
Hay una mesa libre delante.
El camarero pasó por delante.

In a queue

Yo estaba delante.
¿Quién va delante de mí?
Pase usted delante.

Describing a photo

Mi hermano está delante.
Delante de la montaña hay un lago.
Los niños se pusieron delante.

بدايات محادثة

"¿Prefieres sentarte delante o detrás en el cine?"

"¿Qué es lo primero que ves cuando estás delante de tu casa?"

"¿Te pones nervioso cuando tienes que hablar delante de mucha gente?"

"¿Quién suele ir delante cuando sales a caminar con tus amigos?"

"¿Qué retos crees que tiene tu país delante en los próximos años?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Describe la habitación donde estás ahora usando 'delante de' cinco veces.

Escribe sobre una vez que tuviste que hablar delante de un público.

¿Qué objetivos tienes por delante para este año?

Describe tu calle y qué edificios hay delante de tu casa.

Imagina que estás en una fila muy larga. ¿Quién está delante de ti y qué está haciendo?

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

The grammatically correct form according to the RAE is 'delante de mí'. While 'delante mío' is very common in informal speech in many countries, it is technically incorrect because possessive adjectives should not modify adverbs.

'Delante' refers to a static position (The book is in front of the lamp). 'Adelante' refers to movement or direction (Go forward). You use 'delante' to say where something is, and 'adelante' to say where something is going.

You use 'de' whenever 'delante' is followed by a noun or a pronoun (delante de la casa, delante de él). If 'delante' is at the end of the sentence or the reference is understood, you don't need 'de'.

No, 'delante' is strictly for spatial relationships. For time, you must use 'antes'. For example, 'antes de las tres' (before three o'clock).

The direct opposite of 'delante' is 'detrás', which means 'behind'.

No, after prepositions like 'de', you must use the prepositional pronoun 'mí'. So it is 'delante de mí'.

Not exactly. 'Delante' means 'in front of' (could be facing the same way). 'Enfrente' means 'opposite' or 'across from' (facing each other).

You use 'con antelación' or 'antes de tiempo'. 'Delante' is not used for this temporal concept.

It means to go in front of someone or to go first through a door or in a sequence.

Yes, 'delante de la tele' is the standard way to say you are positioned in front of the television set.

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