detrás
“detrás” means “behind” in Spanish (location).
behind
Also: in the back, at the back
📝 In Action
El gato está detrás del sofá.
A1The cat is behind the sofa.
Mira detrás de ti.
A1Look behind you.
La firma está detrás de la foto.
A2The signature is on the back of the photo.
Nos sentamos detrás en el cine para ver mejor.
A2We sat in the back at the movies to see better.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: detrás
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly says 'The keys are behind the book'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the combination of the Latin preposition 'de' (from) and 'trans' (across, behind). Think of it as literally meaning 'from behind'.
First recorded: Around the 13th century.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between 'detrás' and 'atrás'?
It's a common point of confusion! Use 'detrás' (usually with 'de') to say something is behind a specific object: 'Estoy detrás de la puerta' (I'm behind the door). Use 'atrás' for a more general sense of 'back' or 'backwards': 'Ve hacia atrás' (Go backwards).
Can I just say 'tras' instead of 'detrás'?
'Tras' also means 'behind' but it sounds more formal or literary, like something you'd read in a book. In everyday conversation, 'detrás de' is much more common and natural.