antecedentes
/an-teh-seh-DEN-tes/
background
Visualizing 'antecedentes' as 'background' or 'history' shows the foundational layers upon which something grows.
antecedentes(noun)
background
?general context or history
,precedents
?earlier events that inform the present
history
?past events
,record
?past performance or data
📝 In Action
Para tomar una decisión, necesitamos conocer todos los antecedentes del caso.
B1To make a decision, we need to know all the background information of the case.
Sus antecedentes académicos son excelentes.
B2His academic background is excellent.
Los científicos investigaron los antecedentes de la enfermedad.
B2The scientists investigated the history (or origins) of the disease.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural!
Even when referring to a single 'background' or 'precedent' in English, 'antecedentes' is always used in the plural form in Spanish. You must use plural adjectives and articles with it (e.g., 'los antecedentes').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Singular Form
Mistake: "El antecedente es complicado."
Correction: Los antecedentes son complicados. (The background is complicated.) Remember to keep it plural.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
When someone asks for 'antecedentes,' they are usually asking for the full context or the chain of events that led to the current situation.
When 'antecedentes' refers to a 'criminal record,' it signifies an official mark or history of offenses.
antecedentes(noun)
criminal record
?official history of offenses
,police record
?official document
record of offenses
?legal terminology
📝 In Action
Necesitas un certificado de antecedentes penales para el puesto.
C1You need a certificate of criminal record for the position.
El sospechoso tiene antecedentes por robo.
C1The suspect has a record for theft.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Penales' Noun
When talking about legal records, the full phrase 'antecedentes penales' (criminal background) is the most common way to say 'criminal record.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Official Documents
If you are asked for this document, it is usually called a 'certificado de antecedentes' or 'constancia de antecedentes' (certificate/proof of record).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: antecedentes
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'antecedentes' to mean 'background'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'antecedentes' always plural?
Spanish treats 'antecedentes' as a collection of previous events or facts, not a single item. Think of it like the English word 'data' or 'information'—even though we might think of it as one thing, the Spanish structure requires the plural form.
How do I ask someone about their background without sounding like a police officer?
If you mean general background (like family or education), it's better to use phrases like '¿Cuál es tu formación?' (What is your education/training?) or '¿De dónde vienes?' (Where are you from?). 'Antecedentes' is often too formal or suggests a legal inquiry.