Inklingo

How to Say "backwards" in Spanish

English → Spanish

atrás

adverbA1general
Use 'atrás' when describing physical movement or location in a direction opposite to forward, like going back or finding something behind you.

Examples

El coche dio marcha atrás para salir del garaje.

The car went backwards to exit the garage.

atrasado

ah-trah-SAH-dohatɾaˈsaðo

adjectiveB2general
Use 'atrasado' to describe something or someone that is behind in development, progress, or time, often implying outdatedness.
An old wooden plow sitting in a field next to a modern tractor.

Examples

Sus ideas sobre la igualdad de género están muy atrasadas.

His ideas about gender equality are very backwards.

Ese pueblo usa técnicas agrícolas muy atrasadas.

That town uses very underdeveloped farming techniques.

Sus ideas sobre la educación son un poco atrasadas.

His ideas about education are a bit old-fashioned.

Es una zona económicamente atrasada.

It is an economically underdeveloped area.

Using with 'ser'

Unlike the meaning of being 'late' for a meeting, when describing a country or a mindset as 'underdeveloped', we often use 'ser' because we are describing a characteristic or quality.

Sensitivity Note

Mistake: “Using this to describe people's intelligence.”

Correction: Be careful! Calling a person 'atrasado' can be very offensive as it can imply mental disability or being 'slow' in an insulting way. Use it for systems, ideas, or schedules instead.

Movement vs. Development

Learners often confuse 'atrás' (movement) with 'atrasado' (underdeveloped/behind). Remember: if you can point to a direction (backwards in space), use 'atrás'. If you're describing something as old-fashioned or not progressing, use 'atrasado'.

Related Translations

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