Inklingo

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, like a previous event, meeting, or item in a sequence..

anterior🔊A2

Use 'anterior' to refer to something that happened or existed immediately before in time, like a previous event, meeting, or item in a sequence.

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anteriores🔊A2

Use the plural 'anteriores' when referring to multiple preceding items, events, or periods of time.

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antigua🔊B1

Use 'antigua' (or 'antiguo' for masculine nouns) to describe a person's previous job, role, or status.

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ex🔊B2

Use the prefix 'ex-' directly before a noun to indicate a past role, position, or status that is no longer held.

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primero🔊A1

Use 'primero' when 'former' in English means 'the first of two' or when referring to your very first instance of something, like a first day.

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viejas🔊A1

Use 'viejas' (or 'viejos') to refer to things, traditions, or habits from the past that are no longer current or are simply old.

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English → Spanish

anterior

ahn-teh-RYOR/an.teˈɾjor/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'anterior' to refer to something that happened or existed immediately before in time, like a previous event, meeting, or item in a sequence.
A storybook illustration showing three brightly colored geometric blocks lined up horizontally. A large arrow points backward from the second block to the first block, signifying 'previous' in a sequence.

Examples

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-rehs/an.teˈɾjo.ɾes/

adjectiveA2general
Use the plural 'anteriores' when referring to multiple preceding items, events, or periods of time.
Three colorful ladybugs walking in a single file line on a curved green leaf, illustrating a sequence where the first two are preceding the third.

Examples

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').

antigua

an-TEE-gwah/anˈtiɣwa/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'antigua' (or 'antiguo' for masculine nouns) to describe a person's previous job, role, or status.
A small, ornate gold crown resting alone on a deep red velvet cushion, symbolizing a former position or status.

Examples

Mi antigua jefa me llamó para pedirme un favor.

My former boss (female) called me to ask for a favor.

Esta es mi antigua oficina, ahora trabajo en otro edificio.

This is my former office; now I work in another building.

ex

eks/eks/

prefixB2formal
Use the prefix 'ex-' directly before a noun to indicate a past role, position, or status that is no longer held.
A simple, empty wooden pedestal showing only the faint, residual shadow outline of an object that used to rest on top, symbolizing a former status.

Examples

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-roh//pɾiˈme.ɾo/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'primero' when 'former' in English means 'the first of two' or when referring to your very first instance of something, like a first day.
An athlete winning a race, clearly in the first position ahead of other blurred competitors.

Examples

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-hahs/ˈbje.xas/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'viejas' (or 'viejos') to refer to things, traditions, or habits from the past that are no longer current or are simply old.
A colorful illustration showing two simple, worn-down, slightly dilapidated houses, indicating they are old.

Examples

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.

Antigua vs. Ex- for Past Roles

Learners often confuse 'antigua'/'antiguo' and 'ex-' when referring to former jobs or positions. While both are correct, 'ex-' is a prefix directly attached to the noun (ex-presidente), whereas 'antiguo'/'antigua' functions as a separate adjective placed before the noun (mi antiguo jefe).

Related Translations

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