How to Say "former" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “former” is “anterior” — use 'anterior' to refer to something that happened or existed immediately before in time or sequence, like a previous event, day, or item.
anterior
ahn-teh-RYORan.teˈɾjor
Examples
El informe anterior contenía errores.
The previous report contained errors.
Olvidé el código que usamos en la reunión anterior.
I forgot the code we used in the previous meeting.
Mi trabajo anterior era mucho más tranquilo que este.
My former job was much calmer than this one.
Si comparas este capítulo con el anterior, la historia tiene más sentido.
If you compare this chapter with the preceding one, the story makes more sense.
Gender Invariance
Since 'anterior' ends in -r, it is a neutral adjective that doesn't change its ending for masculine or feminine nouns (e.g., 'el coche anterior' and 'la casa anterior').
Placement
'Anterior' almost always comes after the noun it describes, unlike some adjectives that describe time.
Confusing 'Anterior' and 'Antes'
Mistake: “Usando 'Mi antes trabajo' (My before job)”
Correction: Use 'anterior' as the adjective: 'Mi trabajo anterior'. 'Antes' is an adverb meaning 'before'.
anteriores
an-teh-RYOH-rehsan.teˈɾjo.ɾes
Examples
Las decisiones anteriores afectaron la situación actual.
The previous decisions affected the current situation.
Las semanas anteriores fueron muy ocupadas.
The previous weeks were very busy.
Hemos revisado los informes anteriores para encontrar errores.
We have reviewed the former reports to find errors.
Los datos anteriores no coincidían con estos nuevos números.
The preceding data did not match these new numbers.
Always Plural
Since 'anteriores' ends in -es, it is always used to describe two or more things. It works for both masculine and feminine nouns (e.g., 'los meses anteriores' or 'las clases anteriores').
Placement
Unlike some Spanish adjectives, 'anteriores' usually comes after the noun it describes, emphasizing the time or sequence (e.g., 'los días anteriores').
antiguo
an-TEE-gwohanˈtiɣwo
Examples
Mi antiguo jefe trabaja ahora en otra compañía.
My former boss now works at another company.
Mi antiguo compañero de piso se mudó el mes pasado.
My former roommate moved out last month.
Ella vendió su antigua casa y compró un apartamento nuevo.
She sold her previous house and bought a new apartment.
The Meaning Shifter
When 'antiguo' comes BEFORE the noun (e.g., 'mi antiguo trabajo'), its meaning shifts completely from 'old' to 'former' or 'previous status.' This is a common pattern for Spanish adjectives.
Placement Error
Mistake: “Saying 'Mi jefe antiguo' when you mean 'My former boss.'”
Correction: If you say 'Mi jefe antiguo,' it means your boss is old (aged). To mean 'former boss,' you must put it first: 'Mi antiguo jefe.'
ex
ekseks
Examples
Habló con su ex-novio sobre el incidente.
She spoke with her former boyfriend about the incident.
El ex-presidente dio un discurso en la universidad.
The former president gave a speech at the university.
Necesitamos hablar con el ex-director sobre este proyecto.
We need to speak with the former director about this project.
Prefix Rule: Hyphens
The Spanish Royal Academy mandates that 'ex-' must be written separately from the word it modifies, connected by a hyphen, when referring to a title or position (e.g., 'ex-profesor').
Incorrect Spacing
Mistake: “Escribir 'expresidente' o 'ex presidente'.”
Correction: The correct modern spelling is always with a hyphen: 'ex-presidente'. Avoid writing it as one word or two separate words without a hyphen.
primero
pree-MEH-rohpɾiˈme.ɾo
Examples
Este es mi primero intento de hacer paella.
This is my former (first) attempt at making paella.
Es mi primer día en la oficina.
It's my first day at the office.
La primera casa a la derecha es la mía.
The first house on the right is mine.
Llegaron en los primeros lugares de la carrera.
They arrived in the first places of the race.
The Special 'O' Drop Rule
When 'primero' comes right before a masculine word (like 'día' or 'año'), it shortens to 'primer'. Think of it as making room for the word that follows! For example, you say 'el primer día', not 'el primero día'.
Matching the Noun
Like most Spanish adjectives, this word changes to match the thing it describes. Use 'primera' for feminine things ('la primera vez' - the first time) and add an '-s' for plural things ('los primeros pasos' - the first steps).
Forgetting to Shorten It
Mistake: “Fui a España por el primero vez.”
Correction: Fui a España por primera vez. 'Vez' is a feminine word, so you need 'primera'. If it were a masculine word like 'viaje' (trip), you would say 'mi primer viaje' (shortening 'primero' to 'primer').
Using 'Primero' Instead of 'Primer'
Mistake: “Es mi primero coche.”
Correction: Es mi primer coche. Because 'coche' is a masculine word that comes right after it, 'primero' drops the '-o' and becomes 'primer'.
viejas
vee-EHH-hahsˈbje.xas
Examples
Echo de menos las viejas costumbres.
I miss the old (former) customs.
Las tradiciones viejas son las más bonitas.
The old traditions are the prettiest ones.
Compramos unas sillas viejas para restaurarlas.
We bought some old chairs to restore them.
Esas ideas son muy viejas; necesitamos algo nuevo.
Those ideas are very old; we need something new.
Matching the Adjective
Since 'viejas' describes things, it must match the thing in number (plural) and gender (feminine). It pairs with feminine plural nouns like 'puertas' (doors) or 'amigas' (friends).
Using the wrong ending
Mistake: “Las casas viejos (masculine ending).”
Correction: Las casas viejas (feminine ending). Remember the ending must match the noun exactly.
Antiguo vs. Anterior
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