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antes means before — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: August 9, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

antes

adverb • /[AHN-tes]/

before

Example:

Termina esto antes de salir.

Finish this before leaving.

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🧠 What does antes mean?

The Spanish word 'antes' means 'before' in English. It's a versatile adverb that can refer to time, order, or preference. It can be used to talk about something happening earlier in time, something coming before something else in a sequence, or something being preferred over another.

📚 Extra examples

  • Antes de ir al cine, cenamos.
    Before going to the cinema, we had dinner.
  • Prefiero el té antes que el café.
    I prefer tea to coffee.
  • Lee el libro antes de ver la película.
    Read the book before you see the film.
  • Antes, vivía en Madrid.
    I used to live in Madrid.
  • Llámame antes de las diez.
    Call me before ten o'clock.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'before' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'before' in Spanish is 'antes'.
How do you pronounce 'antes' in Spanish?
The word 'antes' is pronounced 'AHN-tess', with the stress on the first syllable.
How do you use 'antes' in a sentence?
'Antes' can be used in various ways. For example, 'antes de' (before) indicates time or order: 'Antes de comer, me lavo las manos' (Before eating, I wash my hands). It can also express preference: 'Prefiero el pescado antes que la carne' (I prefer fish to meat).
What is the English translation of 'antes'?
The English translation of 'antes' is 'before'.
Does 'antes' change for gender or number?
No, 'antes' is an adverb and does not change its form for gender or number.
Is 'antes' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'antes' is a very common word used in everyday Spanish conversations.
Does 'antes' have slang or double meanings?
While 'antes' itself doesn't have slang meanings, the phrase 'antes que nada' (before anything else) is a common idiomatic expression meaning 'first of all'.
Is 'antes' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The usage of 'antes' is generally consistent across Spain and Latin America.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "antes"

Synonyms: anteriormente, previamente, con anterioridad
Opposites: después, luego, posteriormente

💡 Did You Know?

Using 'antes' with the imperfect tense can express 'used to': 'Antes, yo tocaba la guitarra' (I used to play the guitar).

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