Inklingo

How to Say "beforehand" in Spanish

English → Spanish

antemano

ahn-teh-MAH-nohanteˈmano

adverbB1general
Use 'antemano' when you want to express gratitude or acknowledge something being done in advance, often with a sense of appreciation.
A neatly packed backpack and a pair of shoes sitting by a front door, prepared for the next day.

Examples

Muchas gracias de antemano por tu ayuda.

Thank you very much in advance for your help.

Es mejor reservar la mesa de antemano.

It is better to reserve the table beforehand.

Ya sabíamos de antemano que el viaje sería largo.

We already knew beforehand that the trip would be long.

The 'De' Rule

In Spanish, this word almost never travels alone. You will nearly always see it as 'de antemano'. While English says 'beforehand', Spanish says 'of beforehand'.

Word Placement

You can place 'de antemano' at the very end of your sentence, just like you would with 'in advance' in English.

Using 'en' instead of 'de'

Mistake: “Hice la reserva en antemano.”

Correction: Hice la reserva de antemano. (Always use 'de' to create this phrase.)

previamente

pre-byah-MEN-tehpɾeˈβjaˈmente

adverbB1general
Use 'previamente' when emphasizing the necessity or action of doing something before another event or task, focusing on the sequence of actions.
A row of three flower pots: the first shows a small seed in soil, the second a sprout, and the third a blooming flower.

Examples

Debes leer las instrucciones previamente.

You must read the instructions beforehand.

Como se mencionó previamente, la reunión fue cancelada.

As previously mentioned, the meeting was canceled.

El sospechoso había sido arrestado previamente.

The suspect had been previously arrested.

The '-mente' Ending

Just like '-ly' in English, the ending '-mente' turns a description word into an action-description word (an adverb). Here, 'previo' (previous) becomes 'previamente' (previously).

Using 'previamente' vs 'antes'

Mistake: “Using 'previamente de' to say 'before something'.”

Correction: Use 'antes de' for specific things (antes de la cena) and 'previamente' as a standalone word (hazlo previamente).

anterioridad

an-te-ryo-ree-DAHDanteɾjoɾiˈðad

nounB2formal
Use 'con anterioridad' (with priorness) when indicating that an action must be completed or done before a specific deadline or event.
A row of colorful umbrellas where one bright yellow umbrella is positioned clearly ahead of the others in a line.

Examples

Debes reservar tu entrada con anterioridad.

You must book your ticket in advance.

No teníamos conocimiento de los cambios con anterioridad a la reunión.

We had no knowledge of the changes prior to the meeting.

La anterioridad de su llegada le dio una ventaja clara.

The fact that he arrived earlier gave him a clear advantage.

Using 'Con Anterioridad' like an Adverb

Even though 'anterioridad' is a noun, the phrase 'con anterioridad' is used exactly like the word 'previously' or 'beforehand' in English.

The '-dad' Gender Rule

Words ending in '-dad' are almost always feminine in Spanish, so you use 'la' or 'una' with this word.

Using 'anterioridad' alone

Mistake: “Hice la reserva anterioridad.”

Correction: Hice la reserva con anterioridad.

Adverb vs. Noun Phrase

Learners often confuse 'antemano'/'previamente' with 'con anterioridad' because they all mean 'beforehand'. Remember that 'antemano' and 'previamente' are adverbs, while 'con anterioridad' is a noun phrase functioning adverbially and often implies a more formal context or a requirement.

Related Translations

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