atrás
When you're talking about going or being in a backward direction, you'll use atrás. Think of it as the opposite of 'forward'.
For example, if you say 'look back', in Spanish it's 'mira atrás'. Or if someone says 'come back here', they might say 'ven atrás'.
You can also use it to talk about being behind something, like 'behind the door' could be 'detrás de la puerta', but 'atrás' emphasizes the direction of being in the rear.
It's a really common word for giving directions or describing movement.
When talking about moving or positioning something behind, we use atrás. Think of it as describing a movement towards the back or a state of being at the back. For example, if you say "Miré hacia atrás," you are describing the action of looking backward. Or, if you want to tell someone to step back, you'd say "¡Paso atrás!"
It's also used to indicate a time in the past. Like when you say "Hace dos años atrás," it means "Two years ago." It's quite versatile!
atrás en 30 secondes
- atrás = back/backward
- Used for position or direction
- Think 'behind' or 'rear'
Alright, let's talk about the Spanish word atrás. It's an adverb, and it's super common. Basically, it means 'to or toward the rear' or 'backward.' Think of it as the opposite of 'forward.' You'll hear this one all the time, so let's break down where it pops up in real life.
- DEFINITION
- To or toward the rear; backward.
§ Where you actually hear this word — work, school, news
When you're out and about, especially in Spanish-speaking countries, 'atrás' is everywhere. It's a fundamental word for giving directions, describing movement, and even talking about time.
§ Giving Directions
This is probably one of the most common places you'll hear 'atrás.' If someone needs to move backward or go to the back of something, 'atrás' is the word.
Por favor, muévete un poco atrás para que quepan todos.
Translation hint: "Please move a little backward so everyone can fit."
La puerta de atrás está cerrada.
Translation hint: "The back (door from the rear) is closed." Notice how 'de atrás' functions like an adjective here, describing which door.
§ At Work
In a workplace, especially in retail or hospitality, you'll hear 'atrás' frequently for moving things or indicating locations.
Pon esas cajas más atrás en el almacén.
Translation hint: "Put those boxes further back in the warehouse."
El nuevo empleado está en la oficina de atrás.
Translation hint: "The new employee is in the office in the back."
§ At School
Teachers use it, students use it. Think about moving around in a classroom or describing where something is located.
Siéntate más atrás, por favor.
Translation hint: "Sit further back, please."
Mi mochila está en el asiento de atrás del autobús.
Translation hint: "My backpack is on the back seat of the bus."
§ In the News / Media
While perhaps less frequent than in direct conversation, 'atrás' is still used in news reports, especially when describing movement or positions.
El coche chocó y se fue hacia atrás.
Translation hint: "The car crashed and went backward."
Las tropas se retiraron unos kilómetros atrás.
Translation hint: "The troops retreated a few kilometers back."
As you can see, 'atrás' is versatile. Pay attention to how it's used in context, and you'll quickly get the hang of it. It's a foundational word for navigating and describing the world around you in Spanish.
§ Don't Confuse with "Después"
Many learners mix up "atrás" with "después." While "atrás" refers to spatial backwardness or a position behind, "después" means "after" in terms of time or sequence. They are not interchangeable. Think of "atrás" as "behind" or "backward," and "después" as "later."
El perro se quedó atrás en el parque. (The dog stayed behind in the park.)
Nos vemos después del trabajo. (See you after work.)
§ Using "Para Atrás" Redundantly
While you might hear "para atrás" in some informal contexts, it's often redundant. "Atrás" already implies direction. Using "para" usually adds emphasis or is part of specific idiomatic expressions, but in most cases, just "atrás" is sufficient and more natural.
Mira atrás antes de cruzar. (Look backward before crossing.)
§ Forgetting to Use It with Verbs of Motion
"Atrás" is very common with verbs that imply movement. Don't forget to pair it with verbs like "ir" (to go), "venir" (to come), "volver" (to return), or "retroceder" (to move backward) to indicate moving in a backward direction.
Ir atrás: to go backward
Volver atrás: to go back / turn back
Echarse atrás: to back out / step back
El coche retrocedió atrás lentamente. (The car moved backward slowly.)
§ Confusing "Atrás" with "Detrás"
This is a classic. Both relate to being in a rear position, but there's a key difference:
- Atrás:
- Indicates a general backward direction or position. It can be used adverbially (e.g., "walk backward").
- Detrás (de):
- Means "behind" something specific, requiring the preposition "de" if followed by an object. It indicates a static position relative to something else.
No mires atrás. (Don't look backward.)
El gato está detrás del sofá. (The cat is behind the sofa.)
How Formal Is It?
"El evento ocurrirá posteriormente a la cena. (The event will happen after dinner.)"
"Nos vemos después del trabajo. (See you after work.)"
"Hablamos luego, ¿vale? (We'll talk later, okay?)"
"Vamos a jugar más tarde. (We're going to play later.)"
"Te llamo al rato. (I'll call you in a bit.)"
Le savais-tu ?
The word 'atrás' shares a root with other Spanish words like 'trasero' (rear, backside) and 'detrás' (behind). This helps to reinforce its core meaning of 'to the back'.
Exemples par niveau
Mira hacia atrás.
Look backward.
El perro corrió hacia atrás.
The dog ran backward.
Ponte atrás de mí.
Stand behind me.
La pelota está atrás de la silla.
The ball is behind the chair.
Déjalo atrás.
Leave it behind.
Él se quedó atrás.
He stayed behind.
La casa está más atrás.
The house is further back.
Ven atrás, por favor.
Come to the back, please.
El perro corrió hacia atrás cuando vio el gato.
The dog ran backward when it saw the cat.
Mira hacia atrás antes de cruzar la calle.
Look backward before crossing the street.
Dejé mi mochila atrás en la silla.
I left my backpack behind on the chair.
Ella caminó hacia atrás lentamente.
She walked backward slowly.
El coche está muy atrás en el tráfico.
The car is very far back in traffic.
No mires atrás; sigue adelante.
Don't look back; keep going forward.
El balón rebotó y se fue hacia atrás.
The ball bounced and went backward.
Puedes encontrar los libros atrás en la estantería.
You can find the books at the back on the shelf.
Mira hacia atrás antes de cruzar la calle.
Look backward before crossing the street.
Here 'hacia atrás' means 'towards the back'.
El coche se movió hacia atrás lentamente.
The car moved backward slowly.
'Hacia atrás' indicates direction.
Déjame ir atrás en el autobús, por favor.
Let me go to the back of the bus, please.
'Atrás' can refer to the rear of a vehicle.
Ella miró atrás y me sonrió.
She looked back and smiled at me.
Used to describe looking behind oneself.
Volvamos atrás para ver si olvidamos algo.
Let's go back to see if we forgot something.
'Volver atrás' means 'to go back' or 'to return'.
Puso el libro atrás en el estante.
He put the book back on the shelf.
Refers to returning something to its original place.
No mires atrás; sigue adelante.
Don't look back; keep moving forward.
Often used in idiomatic expressions.
El perro se quedó atrás cuando corrimos.
The dog stayed behind when we ran.
'Quedarse atrás' means 'to stay behind'.
Se quedó atrás en la carrera, pero logró remontar y ganar.
He stayed behind in the race, but managed to catch up and win.
Here, 'atrás' refers to being in a trailing position.
Mira hacia atrás y verás todo lo que has logrado.
Look back and you will see all you have achieved.
'Hacia atrás' emphasizes the direction of looking.
El coche se echó atrás para dejar pasar al camión.
The car backed up to let the truck pass.
'Echarse atrás' means to back up or move backward.
No podemos dejar atrás nuestros valores, no importa la situación.
We cannot leave our values behind, no matter the situation.
Used metaphorically to mean abandoning something.
Recordó con nostalgia los viejos tiempos, que quedaron muy atrás.
He remembered with nostalgia the old days, which were far behind.
Refers to a time in the distant past.
No te quedes atrás en tus estudios, es importante mantener el ritmo.
Don't fall behind in your studies; it's important to keep up the pace.
Metaphorical use meaning to lag behind or not keep pace.
La decisión del gobierno echó atrás muchos de los avances logrados.
The government's decision set back many of the achievements.
'Echar atrás' can also mean to reverse or set back progress.
Desde atrás de la cortina, pudo observar todo sin ser visto.
From behind the curtain, he could observe everything without being seen.
'Detrás de' or 'atrás de' indicates a position behind something.
Se mantuvo firme, a pesar de que el pasado le tiraba constantemente hacia atrás con sus cadenas de arrepentimiento.
He stood firm, even though the past constantly pulled him backward with its chains of regret.
Here 'atrás' emphasizes a metaphorical pulling back or hindering.
Mirando hacia atrás, se dio cuenta de que cada desafío había sido una lección disfrazada.
Looking back, she realized that every challenge had been a lesson in disguise.
'Mirando hacia atrás' is a common idiom for 'looking back' or 'in retrospect'.
La sociedad, en su afán de progreso, a veces olvida mirar hacia atrás para aprender de sus errores históricos.
Society, in its eagerness for progress, sometimes forgets to look back to learn from its historical errors.
Similar to the previous example, 'mirar hacia atrás' is used metaphorically for reflecting on the past.
El avance tecnológico es imparable, pero es crucial no dejar atrás los principios éticos fundamentales.
Technological advancement is unstoppable, but it's crucial not to leave behind fundamental ethical principles.
'Dejar atrás' means 'to leave behind' or 'to abandon'.
La nostalgia le asaltó con fuerza, deseando retroceder el tiempo y vivir una vez más esos momentos felices que quedaron atrás.
Nostalgia assailed him strongly, wishing to turn back time and relive those happy moments that were left behind.
'Quedar atrás' means 'to be left behind' or 'to be in the past'.
El equipo, a pesar de los contratiempos, nunca se echó atrás en su compromiso de alcanzar la meta.
The team, despite the setbacks, never backed down from their commitment to reach the goal.
'Echarse atrás' means 'to back down' or 'to retreat'.
Sentía que una fuerza invisible lo empujaba hacia adelante, mientras que el miedo lo retenía hacia atrás.
He felt an invisible force pushing him forward, while fear held him back.
Here 'hacia atrás' is used in contrast with 'hacia adelante' to express a pushing/pulling dynamic.
Es difícil avanzar cuando uno lleva el peso de un pasado turbulento que constantemente tira de uno hacia atrás.
It's difficult to move forward when one carries the weight of a turbulent past that constantly pulls one backward.
'Tirar de uno hacia atrás' implies a hindering or impeding force from the past.
Souvent confondu avec
While 'atrás' often suffices for 'backward', 'hacia atrás' explicitly indicates movement in a backward direction. Use 'hacia atrás' when you want to emphasize the 'towards' aspect.
'Detrás' is followed by 'de' and indicates a static position 'behind' something. 'Atrás' is more general and often implies movement.
When expressing time in the past, you can use 'hace... atrás'. For example, 'Hace dos años atrás' means 'two years ago'. This is a common construction that can be confusing because 'atrás' is used for time here, not just space.
Modèles grammaticaux
Facile à confondre
'Atrás' and 'detrás' both relate to 'behind' or 'back', but their usage differs. 'Detrás' is typically followed by 'de' and a noun, indicating a static position behind something.
'Atrás' implies movement towards the rear or a general backward direction, while 'detrás (de)' indicates a static location behind something.
El perro está detrás del árbol. (The dog is behind the tree.)
This phrase literally translates to 'towards backward', and it can seem redundant or interchangeable with 'atrás'.
'Atrás' can often stand alone to mean 'backward', while 'hacia atrás' explicitly emphasizes the direction of movement. 'Hacia atrás' is more emphatic.
Él dio un paso hacia atrás. (He took a step backward.)
This word is an adjective or noun related to the 'rear' or 'back part', leading to potential confusion with the adverb 'atrás'.
'Atrás' is an adverb of place/direction. 'Trasero' describes something as being in the rear, or can refer to the rear part itself (like 'buttocks' or 'rear end').
Las ruedas traseras del coche. (The rear wheels of the car.)
Similar to 'trasero', 'posterior' is an adjective meaning 'rear' or 'back', which can be confused with the adverbial concept of 'atrás'.
'Atrás' describes movement or position. 'Posterior' describes a part or position that is at the back or comes after in time/order.
La parte posterior de la casa. (The back part of the house.)
While 'antes' means 'before' (time), and 'atrás' means 'backward' (space), in some contexts, particularly when talking about time passed, they can feel related.
'Atrás' refers to physical direction or position. 'Antes' refers to time. However, when talking about a period of time in the past, 'atrás' can be used: 'Hace dos años atrás' (Two years ago).
Él llegó antes que yo. (He arrived before me.)
Structures de phrases
ir hacia atrás
El coche fue hacia atrás. (The car went backward.)
mirar hacia atrás
Miré hacia atrás para ver quién venía. (I looked backward to see who was coming.)
dejar algo atrás
Dejé mis problemas atrás. (I left my problems behind.)
quedar atrás
Me quedé atrás del grupo. (I stayed behind the group.)
un paso atrás
Dio un paso atrás. (He took a step backward.)
volver atrás
Quiero volver atrás en el tiempo. (I want to go back in time.)
hace [tiempo] atrás
Lo vi hace dos días atrás. (I saw him two days ago.)
la parte de atrás
La parte de atrás de la casa es grande. (The back part of the house is big.)
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Comment l'utiliser
Use atrás to talk about moving or looking backward. It’s also used to indicate a position behind something or someone. For example, Mira atrás (Look back) or El coche está atrás (The car is in the back).
A common mistake is confusing atrás with después. While both can relate to sequence, atrás specifically refers to physical direction or position behind, whereas después means 'after' in a temporal sense. For instance, you wouldn't say Atrás de la reunión (Back of the meeting) to mean 'After the meeting.' You'd say Después de la reunión. Another error is using it with the verb 'estar' to indicate being 'late' or 'behind schedule' – for that, you'd typically use retrasado/a or con retraso. For example, not Estoy atrás (I am back) meaning I am late, but rather Estoy retrasado/a (I am late).
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of 'atrás' sounding a bit like 'a track.' Imagine you're on a running track and you need to go back a bit to the starting line.
Association visuelle
Picture a car reversing. The 'tras' part of 'atrás' can make you think of the 'trunk' or 'rear' of a car. When a car goes atrás, it goes backward.
Word Web
Défi
Describe three things in your room that are 'atrás' something else. For example, 'Mi cama está atrás de la puerta.' (My bed is behind the door.)
Origine du mot
Vulgar Latin: a tras (from trans)
Sens originel : behind, beyond
Indo-European > Italic > Romance > SpanishContexte culturel
The concept of 'atrás' is straightforward and widely understood across Spanish-speaking cultures. It's often used in everyday instructions, such as telling someone to step back, or describing the location of something. There aren't many specific cultural nuances tied directly to this word, as its meaning is quite literal and universal.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsBoth "atrás" and "detrás" relate to being behind something. However, "atrás" is an adverb and indicates motion or position *towards the back* or *backward*. For example, "Mira hacia atrás." (Look backward.) "Detrás" is typically a preposition and means *behind* a specific object or person. For example, "El perro está detrás del árbol." (The dog is behind the tree.) Think of "atrás" as a direction or general position, and "detrás" as a more precise location relative to something.
Yes, absolutely! "Atrás" is commonly used to refer to a period of time in the past, similar to saying "ago" in English. For instance, "Hace dos años atrás." (Two years ago.) Or, "Ella se fue hace un minuto atrás." (She left a minute ago.)
To tell someone to step back, you would typically use "hacia atrás" (literally 'towards backward') or just "atrás" in a command. For example, "¡Paso atrás!" (Step back!) or "¡Muévete hacia atrás!" (Move backward!)
Yes, "para atrás" is very common and usually emphasizes the direction *backwards* or *to the rear*. It's often used when talking about returning to a previous position or state. For example, "Volvió para atrás." (He went back.)
No, "atrás" is an adverb and doesn't function as a noun on its own. If you want to talk about 'the back' as a noun, you would use words like "la parte de atrás" (the back part) or "la espalda" (the back of a person/animal).
When used with verbs of movement, "atrás" indicates moving in a backward direction. For example, "Caminó atrás." (He walked backward.) "Empuja atrás." (Push back.) It specifies the direction of the action.
While its core meaning is 'backward' or 'to the rear,' it can sometimes imply 'behind' in a more general sense of position, especially when paired with verbs of placement or being. For example, "Se quedó atrás." (He stayed behind/fell behind.) However, for a precise 'behind' a specific object, "detrás de" is usually preferred.
A very common and useful phrase is "quedarse atrás." This means to be left behind, to fall behind, or to lag. For example, "No quiero quedarme atrás en mis estudios." (I don't want to fall behind in my studies.)
You can use it in phrases like "la parte de atrás del coche" (the back part of the car) to refer to the rear side. However, you wouldn't just say "el atrás" as a standalone noun for 'the back side.' You need a noun like "parte" or "lado."
Yes, the 'r' in "atrás" is a single 'r' sound, but it's often a trilled 'r' or a flap 'r' depending on the region and speaker. It's not a soft 'r' like in English 'car,' but more pronounced. Practice rolling or flapping your tongue for that sound.
Teste-toi 78 questions
Which sentence correctly uses 'atrás' to mean 'backward'?
To look behind or backward, use 'atrás'.
If you want to say someone is 'behind' you, which option is correct?
'Atrás de' means 'behind' or 'at the back of'.
Which sentence means 'The car is going backward'?
'Hacia atrás' means 'toward the rear' or 'backward'.
If you want to say 'go forward', you use 'atrás'.
'Atrás' means 'backward'. For 'go forward', you would use something like 'adelante'.
The phrase 'mira atrás' means 'look behind you'.
'Atrás' indicates direction to the rear, so 'mira atrás' means to look backward.
You can use 'atrás' to talk about something being in front of you.
'Atrás' refers to the rear or backward direction. For 'in front', you would use 'delante' or 'enfrente'.
The dog is behind the sofa. Focus on 'atrás'.
Look back, the door is open. Focus on 'atrás'.
Please move the chair a little back. Focus on 'atrás'.
Read this aloud:
atrás
Focus: ah-TRAHS
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Él está atrás.
Focus: EL eh-STAH ah-TRAHS
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
¿Está atrás?
Focus: ess-TAH ah-TRAHS
Tu as dit :
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This means 'Look back!'
This means 'He walks backward.'
This means 'The dog is behind the house.'
Los estudiantes se sentaron en la parte de ___ del aula.
To convey the idea of sitting in the 'back' part of the classroom, 'atrás' is the correct choice.
Mira ___ de ti, ¡hay un perro pequeño!
To tell someone to look 'behind' them, 'atrás' is the appropriate word.
El coche se movió ___ para estacionarse.
When a car moves 'backward' to park, 'atrás' is used.
No mires ___ cuando camines, podrías tropezar.
To advise someone not to look 'backward' while walking, 'atrás' is the correct word.
El perro se escondió ___ del sofá cuando oyó el trueno.
To describe the dog hiding 'behind' the sofa, 'atrás' is the correct option.
Si quieres ver la pantalla mejor, muévete un poco ___.
To suggest moving a bit 'backward' for a better view, 'atrás' is the correct term.
This sentence instructs someone to look behind them to see the door. 'Atrás' specifies the direction of looking.
Here, 'atrás de' means 'behind' or 'after'. The dog ran to the rear of the ball.
This is a common idiom meaning 'don't look back, keep moving forward.' 'Atrás' refers to the past.
This sentence instructs someone to look backward before crossing, using 'hacia atrás' to indicate direction.
'Se quedó atrás' means 'stayed behind,' indicating the dog was in the rear.
This phrase advises not to look backward while running, focusing on direction.
No mires ___ cuando conduces, es peligroso. (Don't look ___ when you drive, it's dangerous.)
The context implies looking behind while driving, so 'atrás' (backward) is the correct fit.
El perro corrió ___ del coche, ladrando. (The dog ran ___ the car, barking.)
The dog is running behind the car. 'Atrás' means to or toward the rear.
Deja esos problemas ___ y concéntrate en el futuro. (Leave those problems ___ and focus on the future.)
This is a figurative use of 'atrás', meaning to leave problems in the past.
Dio un paso ___ para no chocar con la pared. (He took a step ___ to avoid hitting the wall.)
To avoid hitting a wall, one would step backward. 'Hacia atrás' means backward.
Cuando miró ___, vio a su amigo saludando. (When he looked ___, he saw his friend waving.)
If someone is waving from behind, you would look 'atrás' (backward) to see them.
No podemos volver ___, solo avanzar. (We can't go ___, only forward.)
This sentence contrasts going backward with going forward. 'Atrás' means backward.
Choose the best translation for: 'The car is parked behind the house.'
'Atrás' means behind or to the rear.
Which sentence correctly uses 'atrás' to indicate movement?
'Atrás' can be used to describe movement towards the rear or backward.
Which of the following is an antonym for 'atrás' in the context of location?
'Delante' means in front, which is the opposite of 'atrás' (behind).
The phrase 'mirar atrás' means to look back.
'Mirar atrás' is a common idiom meaning to look back.
You can use 'atrás' to refer to a past time period, similar to 'ago' in English.
For example, 'Hace dos años atrás' means 'two years ago'.
The word 'atrás' is always preceded by the preposition 'de'.
While often used with 'de' (e.g., 'atrás de la casa'), 'atrás' can also be used alone as an adverb (e.g., 'no mires atrás').
Describe a time you had to reverse or go backward, either literally or figuratively. Use 'atrás' at least once in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
El otro día, mientras conducía, me di cuenta de que había tomado el camino equivocado. Tuve que retroceder un kilómetro y girar a la derecha para volver a la ruta correcta. Me sentí un poco frustrado por perder tiempo, pero al final llegué a mi destino. A veces, en la vida, uno tiene que mirar atrás para corregir un error o aprender de una experiencia pasada.
Imagine you are giving directions to someone. Explain how to get to a specific place, making sure to include an instruction that uses 'atrás' to indicate movement in reverse or toward the rear.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Para llegar a la biblioteca desde aquí, primero tienes que seguir recto por esta calle unas tres cuadras. Después, verás una farmacia a tu izquierda; ahí tienes que girar a la derecha. Continúa por esa calle hasta que veas una iglesia antigua. La biblioteca está justo detrás de la iglesia, así que tendrás que pasarla y luego ir un poco hacia atrás por el callejón para encontrar la entrada principal.
Write a short paragraph about a memory from your past that you often look back on. Use 'atrás' to refer to the past or a memory.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Siempre miro hacia atrás con cariño a mis días de infancia en el campo. Recuerdo los veranos largos y calurosos, jugando con mis primos en el río y corriendo por los campos de maíz. Esos recuerdos traen una sonrisa a mi cara y me hacen sentir nostálgico. Aunque la vida ha cambiado mucho desde entonces, esos momentos se quedaron atrás, pero siguen vivos en mi memoria.
¿Por qué el conductor decidió ir más despacio?
Read this passage:
El coche se detuvo bruscamente. El conductor miró por el espejo retrovisor y vio que otro vehículo se acercaba demasiado rápido por detrás. Por suerte, logró reaccionar a tiempo y evitó un choque. Después del susto, decidió ir un poco más despacio para mantener una distancia segura con el coche de atrás.
¿Por qué el conductor decidió ir más despacio?
El pasaje indica que el conductor 'decidió ir un poco más despacio para mantener una distancia segura con el coche de atrás' después de que un vehículo se acercara demasiado rápido por detrás.
El pasaje indica que el conductor 'decidió ir un poco más despacio para mantener una distancia segura con el coche de atrás' después de que un vehículo se acercara demasiado rápido por detrás.
¿Qué esperaba encontrar la arqueóloga más atrás?
Read this passage:
La arqueóloga estaba excavando en una zona remota. Encontró unos restos que parecían ser de una civilización antigua. Con mucho cuidado, retiró la tierra para ver qué había más atrás, esperando descubrir más artefactos que pudieran arrojar luz sobre la historia de ese lugar.
¿Qué esperaba encontrar la arqueóloga más atrás?
El pasaje dice que la arqueóloga esperaba 'descubrir más artefactos que pudieran arrojar luz sobre la historia de ese lugar'.
El pasaje dice que la arqueóloga esperaba 'descubrir más artefactos que pudieran arrojar luz sobre la historia de ese lugar'.
¿Qué es lo que el gerente quería que su equipo aprendiera mirando 'hacia atrás'?
Read this passage:
En la reunión, el gerente pidió a su equipo que revisaran los informes del año pasado. Quería que analizaran dónde se habían cometido errores para no repetirlos en el futuro. 'Es importante mirar hacia atrás para aprender', dijo, 'pero siempre con la vista puesta en el progreso'.
¿Qué es lo que el gerente quería que su equipo aprendiera mirando 'hacia atrás'?
El gerente pidió que 'analizaran dónde se habían cometido errores para no repetirlos en el futuro', indicando que mirar hacia atrás es para aprender de ellos.
El gerente pidió que 'analizaran dónde se habían cometido errores para no repetirlos en el futuro', indicando que mirar hacia atrás es para aprender de ellos.
This sentence encourages someone not to dwell on past events. 'No mires' means 'Don't look', 'hacia atrás' means 'backward' or 'back', and 'en el pasado' means 'in the past'.
This sentence indicates that the train passed by or left the city behind quickly. 'El tren' is 'The train', 'dejó atrás' means 'left behind', 'la ciudad' is 'the city', and 'rápidamente' is 'quickly'.
This sentence suggests that there's always something pushing us forward and preventing us from looking back. 'Siempre hay algo' means 'There is always something', 'que nos impulsa hacia adelante' means 'that pushes us forward', 'y nos impide' is 'and prevents us', and 'mirar atrás' is 'from looking back'.
Choose the best synonym for 'atrás' in the context of temporal sequence.
'Atrás' can refer to a past time or event, making 'anteriormente' (previously) the closest synonym in this context.
In a philosophical discussion about progress, what would be the antonym of 'avanzar' (to advance) that uses 'atrás'?
'Retroceder' means to go backward or regress, which is the direct opposite of 'avanzar' (to advance) and incorporates the concept of 'atrás' (backward).
Which phrase correctly uses 'atrás' to denote a metaphorical return to a previous state or condition?
'Volver atrás en el tiempo' (to go back in time) is a common idiom using 'atrás' metaphorically to refer to a return to a previous temporal state.
The expression 'quedarse atrás' universally implies a positive outcome, such as staying ahead of a trend.
'Quedarse atrás' typically means to be left behind or to fall behind, implying a negative or undesirable outcome, such as not keeping up with progress or development.
When referring to a past event, 'Hace dos años atrás' is grammatically redundant but commonly understood.
While 'Hace dos años' already implies 'two years ago,' adding 'atrás' is indeed redundant. However, it's a common colloquialism in Spanish and understood by native speakers.
In the context of a debate, telling someone to 'dar un paso atrás' (take a step back) is an encouragement to be more assertive.
To 'dar un paso atrás' in a debate means to disengage or reconsider, often implying a need to calm down or re-evaluate, rather than to be more assertive.
The car was sliding backward down the icy slope, a picture of helplessness and danger.
Looking back, it's clear we should have made a different decision at that crucial moment.
The current government's policy seems to be a step backward in the fight for social equality.
Read this aloud:
Después de un largo día de trabajo, lo único que deseaba era recostarse en el sofá y dejar atrás las preocupaciones.
Focus: dejar atrás
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Es fundamental no mirar hacia atrás con remordimiento, sino aprender de los errores y avanzar con determinación.
Focus: mirar hacia atrás
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
El progreso de la tecnología nos ha permitido dejar atrás métodos obsoletos y adoptar soluciones más eficientes.
Focus: dejar atrás métodos obsoletos
Tu as dit :
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This sentence structure is common when expressing that past issues are no longer relevant or have been left behind. 'Quedaron' (remained) is used metaphorically.
The phrase 'mirando atrás' functions as an adverbial phrase meaning 'looking back' or 'in retrospect', setting the context for understanding past actions.
This sentence emphasizes inclusivity, meaning no one was left behind during the progress, despite its pace.
/ 78 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
'Atrás' is a versatile adverb for expressing 'back' or 'backward' in Spanish, useful for both location and motion.
- atrás = back/backward
- Used for position or direction
- Think 'behind' or 'rear'
Exemple
Mira hacia atrás antes de cruzar la calle.
Contenu associé
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Expressions liées
Plus de mots sur general
a causa de
A2For the reason of; owing to.
a condición de que
B2On condition that, provided that, or given that.
a dónde
A1To what place or destination?
a lo mejor
A2Maybe; perhaps.
a menos que
B1Unless.
a no ser que
B2Unless; should it not be that.
a pesar de
B1In spite of; despite.
a_pesar_de
B2In spite of; notwithstanding; despite.
a propósito
B2By the way, on purpose; incidentally; or intentionally.
a raíz de
B2As a result of; following directly from.
