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How to Say "forward" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “forward” is “adelante” — use 'adelante' when indicating movement or progression in a physical direction, often meaning 'ahead' or 'onward'..

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adelante

/a-deh-LAN-teh//a.ðeˈlan.t̪e/

adverbA2general
Use 'adelante' when indicating movement or progression in a physical direction, often meaning 'ahead' or 'onward'.
A solitary traveler walking purposefully down a straight, clear dirt road toward the distant horizon.

Examples

El camino sigue adelante hasta el río.

The road goes forward to the river.

Para llegar a la plaza, tienes que seguir todo recto hacia adelante.

To get to the square, you have to keep going straight ahead.

El ejército continuó su marcha adelante, sin detenerse.

The army continued its march onward, without stopping.

Mira hacia adelante, no hacia atrás.

Look forward, not backward.

Describing Movement

'Adelante' tells you the direction of movement. It answers the question 'where to?' (¿A dónde?). For example, 'Caminar adelante' (to walk forward).

'Adelante' vs. 'Delante'

Mistake: “Estoy adelante de la casa.”

Correction: Estoy delante de la casa. (I am in front of the house.) Use 'delante' to say something is located *in front of* something else. Use 'adelante' for movement *forward*.

envíe

verbA2formal
Use 'envíe' as a formal command (usted form) for 'send' when referring to emails, packages, or documents.

Examples

Por favor, envíe la carta a la dirección correcta.

Please, send the letter to the correct address.

delantera

deh-lahn-TEH-rah/de.lanˈte.ɾa/

nounB2sports
Use 'delantera' specifically for a female player in sports like soccer or basketball who plays in an attacking position.
A simplified illustration of a female soccer player wearing a red jersey, dribbling a soccer ball powerfully across a green field toward the opponent's goal.

Examples

La delantera marcó dos goles en el último partido.

The forward scored two goals in the last game.

La delantera estrella marcó el gol decisivo.

The star forward scored the decisive goal.

Necesitamos reforzar la delantera para el próximo partido.

We need to strengthen the forward line (or striker position) for the next match.

Player vs. Position

This word can refer both to the player herself (a female striker) and the entire line of attacking players (the forward line of the team).

atrevido

/ah-treh-VEE-doh//atɾeˈβiðo/

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'atrevido' to describe someone who is overly bold, cheeky, or impudent, often showing a lack of respect.
A small child playfully sticking their tongue out while hiding behind a wooden chair.

Examples

Su comentario fue un poco atrevido para la situación.

His comment was a bit forward for the situation.

¡No seas atrevido! Respeta a tus mayores.

Don't be cheeky! Respect your elders.

Le hizo una pregunta muy atrevida a su jefe.

He asked his boss a very forward question.

Tone Matters

Mistake: “Using it with a boss or stranger.”

Correction: Only use it with people you know well unless you intend to be critical.

ofrecido

oh-freh-SEE-doh/ofɾeˈsiðo/

adjectiveC1informal
Use 'ofrecido' to describe someone who is unpleasantly forward, pushy, or presumptuous in social interactions.
A storybook illustration depicting a scene where a character is leaning aggressively close to another character, who is visibly recoiling and uncomfortable, illustrating a lack of social boundaries.

Examples

No seas ofrecido y deja que los demás hablen también.

Don't be so forward and let others speak too.

No seas tan ofrecido; espera tu turno para hablar.

Don't be so pushy; wait your turn to speak.

Ella es muy ofrecida con los clientes, lo cual es inapropiado.

She is very forward with clients, which is inappropriate.

Understanding the Tone

In this sense, 'ofrecido' means you are making yourself too available or putting yourself forward inappropriately. It is almost always a negative description of behavior.

Direction vs. Attitude

The most common mistake is using 'adelante' (forward direction) when you mean someone is being 'forward' in terms of attitude. Remember, 'atrevido' and 'ofrecido' describe behavior, while 'adelante' refers to movement.

Related Translations

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