What does antes in Spanish mean?

What is the meaning of the word antes in Spanish? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use antes in Spanish.

The word antes in Spanish means before, beforehand, first, in the past, before, before doing, before, would rather, would sooner, before, before, facing, faced with, before, in front of, compared to, in comparison with, next to, suede, pre-, B.C., on the contrary, rather, before, night before last, day before yesterday, before beginning, before starting, BC, before starting, before we get down to business, before the end of the year, before the end of the month, before today, until today, before nightfall, before the common era, before time, sooner than expected, earlier than, sooner than, sooner than you could imagine, before tomorrow, before anything else, i before e except after c, before I forget, before it's too late, before you realize it, before you know it, prematurely, in less than a year, it's better to bend than to break, rather be dead than plain, better dead than plain, sooner or later, before, before anything else, count your chickens before they hatch, as soon as possible, ancient, if you had said so earlier, mark a milestone, more than before, look both ways before crossing, check both ways before crossing, don't jump the gun, if I speak sooner it will happen sooner. To learn more, please see the details below.

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Meaning of the word antes

before, beforehand, first

adverbio (en momento anterior)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Ya nos habían avisado antes: ese vendedor es poco confiable. Vamos a cenar, pero antes, quiero enseñarte un cuadro que compré.

We had been warned before (or: beforehand): that vendor is not to be trusted. We're going to have dinner, but first I want to show you a painting I bought.

in the past

adverbio (en otros tiempos)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Antes no teníamos internet y siempre nos comunicábamos por teléfono.

We didn't have internet in the past and always communicated by phone.

before

locución preposicional (en momento anterior)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Antes de su partida, el soldado abrazó a su esposa y a sus hijos.

Before his departure, the soldier hugged his wife and his children.

before doing

locución preposicional (en momento anterior)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Nos lavamos las manos antes de comer.

We wash our hands before eating.

before

locución conjuntiva (acción anterior)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Si yo fuera tú, aceptaría la oferta del jefe antes que se arrepienta. Los soldados se pondrán en marcha antes de que salga el sol.

If I were you, I'd accept the boss' offer before you regret it.

would rather, would sooner

adverbio (denota preferencia)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Antes muerto que vender mi dignidad.

I'd rather die than lose my dignity.

before

adverbio (espacio: más cerca)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Si llegas al parque, ya te pasaste: la oficina queda antes.

If you get to the park you've gone too far: the office is before.

before

adjetivo invariable (precedente)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

El presidente dimitió el día antes.

The president resigned the day before.

facing, faced with

preposición (frente a, en presencia de)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Estamos ante un reto colosal que pondrá a prueba nuestro talento.

We're faced with an enormous challenge that will really test our abilities.

before, in front of

preposición (delante de)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Siempre he soñado con actuar ante un gran público.

I've always dreamed of performing in front of a big audience.

compared to, in comparison with, next to

preposición (en comparación)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Ante su inteligencia superdotada, todos parecen tontos.

Next to his amazing intelligence everyone else looks a bit stupid.

suede

nombre masculino (animal: piel curtida aterciopelada)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Los zapatos de ante son muy elegantes pero se estropean con facilidad.

Suede shoes are very chic but they easily get ruined.

pre-

prefijo (anterior, previo)

(prefix: Added to front of word stem--for example, unsaid = un+said.)

Estos montes llevan aquí desde tiempos antediluvianos.

These mountains have been here since prehistoric times

B.C.

locución adverbial (abreviatura) (abbreviation)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

on the contrary

locución adverbial (expresa oposición)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

No habrá lluvias este año, antes al contrario, se esperan sequías.

There won't be any rainfall this year, on the contrary, droughts are expected.

rather

expresión (más bien)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Hoy no descansaremos, antes bien tendremos que trabajar el doble.

We won't rest today, rather, we'll have to work double.

before

(previo a)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Lávate las manos antes de cocinar.

Wash your hands before cooking.

night before last

locución adverbial (hace dos noches)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Anteanoche fui al cine con mi novio y anoche salimos a cenar.

day before yesterday

locución adverbial (dos noches antes)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Antes de ayer tuve una cita con un chico.

Two days ago I had a date with a guy.

before beginning, before starting

locución adverbial (indicar, presentar algo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Antes de comenzar, quisiera agradecer a todos por venir.

Before starting, I'd like to thank you all for coming.

BC

locución adverbial (tiempo: anterior a Jesucristo) (abbreviation)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Estos restos arqueológicos datan del año 500 antes de Cristo.

These archaeological remains date back to 500 BC.

before starting

locución adverbial (preparativos)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Antes de empezar debemos tener todo listo sobre la mesa.

Before starting, we should have everything laid out on the table.

before we get down to business

expresión (frase de preámbulo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Antes de entrar en materia, cuéntenme cómo les fue el fin de semana.

Before we get down to business, tell me how it went this past weekend.

before the end of the year

locución preposicional (este año)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Debemos liquidar nuestra deuda antes de fin de año.

We should pay off our debt before the end of the year.

before the end of the month

locución adverbial (este mes)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Queremos irnos de vacaciones antes de fin de mes.

We want to go on holiday before the end of the month.

before today, until today

expresión (hasta hoy)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Antes de hoy, nunca había probado la comida hindú.

Until today I had never tried Indian food.

before nightfall

locución adverbial (tiempo: durante el día)

Debemos volver antes de la caída de la noche.

We must be back before nightfall.

before the common era

locución adverbial (era cristiana)

Alejandro Magno nació en 356 antes de la era común.

before time

locución adverbial (más temprano)

Roberto estaba nervioso y llegó a la entrevista antes de la hora.

Robert was nervous and got to the interview before time.

sooner than expected

locución adverbial (con antelación)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

El parto sucedió antes de lo esperado.

The delivery happened sooner than expected.

earlier than, sooner than

locución adverbial (más pronto)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Me cobró el dinero antes de lo que esperaba.

He charged me earlier (or: sooner) than I anticipated.

sooner than you could imagine

locución adverbial (más pronto de lo previsto)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Antes de lo que te imaginas, vas a lograr tu objetivo.

Sooner than you could imagine, you'll achieve your goal.

before tomorrow

locución adverbial (hoy)

Termina el reporte antes de mañana porque es el último día para entregarlo.

Finish the report before tomorrow because it's the last day to turn it in.

before anything else

locución adverbial (introduce una idea)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Antes de nada, quiero decirles que no soy culpable.

Before anything else I want to tell you that I'm not guilty.

i before e except after c

expresión (infantil (regla ortográfica) (grammar)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

No se escribe canbio, sino cambio. Antes de pe y be con eme escribiré.

before I forget

expresión (para hacer anotación)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Antes de que se me olvide, ¿cómo dijiste que era su nombre?

Before I forget, what did you say your name was?

before it's too late

expresión (en tiempo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Si la quieres llámala antes de que sea demasiado tarde.

If you love her, call her before it's too late.

before you realize it, before you know it

expresión (algo rápido o inesperado)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Los niños crecen antes de que te des cuenta.

Children grow up before you know it.

prematurely

locución adverbial (prematuramente)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

El bebé nació antes de tiempo.

The baby was born too soon.

in less than a year

locución preposicional (antes de 12 meses)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Tenemos que renovar el contrato antes de un año.

We have to renew the contract in less than a year.

it's better to bend than to break

expresión (figurado (aconseja docilidad) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

rather be dead than plain, better dead than plain

expresión (bien vestido, a la moda) (fashion)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

sooner or later

locución adverbial (en cualquier momento)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Estoy seguro de que Diego se dará cuenta de su error antes o después y nos ofrecerá disculpas.

I am sure that Diego will realise his mistake sooner or later and apologise to us.

before

(preceder, anteceder algo)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. Before she left for Hawaii, she bought a new bathing suit.

before anything else

locución adverbial (indica prioridad)

Antes que nada, quisiera agradecerles el espacio.

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for the space.

count your chickens before they hatch

expresión (coloquial (jactarse antes del triunfo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Es demasiado pronto para celebrarlo: no cuentes los pollos antes de nacer.

as soon as possible

locución adverbial (lo antes posible)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Tu madre está enferma, ve al hospital cuanto antes.

Your mother is sick, go to the hospital as soon as possible.

ancient

locución adverbial (figurado (antediluviano) (figurative)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

El reloj de Pedro parece de antes de la guerra, ¡es viejísimo!

Pedro's watch looks ancient. It's so old!

if you had said so earlier

locución verbal (avisar con antelación)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Haberlo dicho antes y no compraba otra botella.

If you had said so earlier I wouldn't have bought another bottle.

mark a milestone

locución verbal (marcar un hito)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Internet supone un antes y un después en la historia de las comunicaciones humanas.

The Internet marks a milestone in the history of human communications.

more than before

expresión (más ahora)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Te amo más que antes.

I love you more than before.

look both ways before crossing, check both ways before crossing

expresión (comprobar el tráfico) (street, railroad tracks)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

La madre le enseñó a su hijo a mirar a ambos lados antes de cruzar la calle.

The mother taught her child to look both ways before crossing the road.

don't jump the gun

expresión (no hay que precipitarse)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

if I speak sooner it will happen sooner

expresión (lo advierto y sucede al instante)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

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