retrocede
/rre-tro-CE-de/
moves back
When something retrocedes, it literally moves back from its current position.
retrocede(Verb)
moves back
?physical movement
,retreats
?military/competitive context
steps back
?literal action
📝 In Action
Cuando ve el perro grande, la niña retrocede por miedo.
B1When she sees the big dog, the girl moves back out of fear.
El coche retrocede lentamente para aparcar.
A2The car moves back slowly to park.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'He/She/It' Form
The word 'retrocede' is the standard present form used for 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), 'eso' (it), and the polite singular 'usted' (you).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'C' and 'Z'
Mistake: "Using 'retrozede' instead of 'retrocede'."
Correction: The infinitive is 'retroceder' (with a C), and the C stays in this conjugation, unlike some other Spanish verbs.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Objects and People
You can use 'retrocede' for both moving objects (like cars or cameras) and people or animals.
Figuratively, retrocede can mean losing ground or experiencing a setback in development or progress.
retrocede(Verb)
loses ground
?progress/development
,goes back on
?agreements/decisions
declines
?health/economic status
📝 In Action
Si no estudiamos, el grupo retrocede en el proyecto.
B2If we don't study, the group loses ground on the project.
La empresa retrocede en sus planes de expansión por falta de capital.
C1The company goes back on its expansion plans due to lack of capital.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When used figuratively, 'retrocede' often means that something is failing or moving toward a worse state, not just physically moving backward.
When a process or action retrocedes, it is being reversed or undone.
retrocede(Verb)
is reversed
?a process or action
,is set back
?time/clocks
rolls back
?computing/software
📝 In Action
Cada otoño, el reloj retrocede una hora para el cambio de horario.
B2Every autumn, the clock is set back one hour for the time change.
Si hay un error, el programa retrocede automáticamente la última acción.
C1If there is an error, the program automatically reverses the last action.
💡 Grammar Points
Impersonal Subject
In these formal uses, the subject of 'retrocede' is often an inanimate object or an abstract concept like 'el tiempo' (time) or 'la ley' (the law).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: retrocede
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'retrocede' in the figurative sense of losing progress?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'retrocede' different from 'volver' (to return)?
'Volver' usually means returning to a previous location or state (like 'coming back home'). 'Retrocede' specifically means physically moving or stepping backward, or suffering a setback (moving in the wrong direction).
Can I use 'retrocede' as a command?
Yes, but only in the informal 'tú' form ('¡Retrocede!') or the formal 'usted' form, which is '¡Retroceda!' (The word 'retrocede' itself is the informal command to one person: 'Tú, retrocede!').