Inklingo

How to Say "go ahead!" in Spanish

English → Spanish

adelante

a-deh-LAN-teha.ðeˈlan.t̪e

interjectionA1
Use 'adelante' when directly granting permission for someone to enter, proceed, or begin an action, often in response to a question like 'Can I...?'
A person's hand holding open a heavy wooden door, gesturing an invitation into a brightly lit room.

Examples

— ¿Puedo pasar? — ¡Sí, claro, adelante!

— May I come in? — Yes, of course, come in!

— ¿Puedo entrar? — ¡Sí, claro, adelante!

— May I come in? — Yes, of course, come in!

— ¿Empiezo a leer? — Sí, adelante.

— Should I start reading? — Yes, go ahead.

El presentador dijo: '¡Adelante con el siguiente concursante!'

The host said: 'Let's bring on the next contestant!'

dele

DEH-lehˈdele

interjectionB1informal
Use 'dele' to enthusiastically encourage someone to start or continue doing something, often implying a bit more urgency or directness than 'adelante'.
A runner at the start of a path looking ready to run.

Examples

—¿Puedo pasar? —¡Sí, dele!

—Can I come in? —Yes, go ahead!

¡Dele, no se rinda!

Keep going, don't give up!

Choosing Between 'Adelante' and 'Dele'

Learners often confuse 'adelante' and 'dele' because both grant permission. Remember that 'adelante' is more about letting someone proceed or enter, while 'dele' is a more direct, sometimes informal, push to start or continue an action.

Related Translations

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