Inklingo

How to Say "out" in Spanish

English → Spanish

afuera

/ah-FWEH-rah//aˈfweɾa/

AdverbA1General
Use 'afuera' when indicating movement away from an enclosed space or to a location that is outdoors, often implying 'going out' or 'eating out'.
A small dog playing with a red ball on bright green grass, clearly positioned outside a simple yellow house.

Examples

El perro está jugando afuera en el jardín.

The dog is playing outside in the garden.

Hace un día precioso, ¿comemos afuera?

It's a beautiful day, shall we eat outside?

Si tienes calor, sal afuera a tomar un poco de aire.

If you're hot, go outside to get some air.

Afuera vs. Fuera

These two words are very similar and often used in the same way. Think of 'afuera' as suggesting movement 'to the outside' (like 'sal afuera' - go outside). 'Fuera' often describes a fixed position 'at the outside' (like 'está fuera' - he is outside). But don't worry, in most everyday situations, you can use either one and people will understand you perfectly.

Saying 'Outside Of'

Mistake:Quiero sentarme afuera del café.

Correction: Quiero sentarme fuera del café. (I want to sit outside the café.) When you want to say 'outside of' a specific place, it sounds a little more natural to use 'fuera de' instead of 'afuera de'. Both are understood, but 'fuera de' is more common.

fuera

/FWEH-rah//ˈfweɾa/

Adverb & InterjectionA1General
Use 'fuera' when the meaning is simply 'outside' or to give a direct command like 'Get out!', emphasizing exclusion or removal from a place.
A happy dog sitting on the grass just outside an open door, looking out from the house. This illustrates the meaning 'outside'.

Examples

El gato está fuera, en el jardín.

The cat is outside, in the garden.

Prefiero comer fuera esta noche.

I prefer to eat out tonight.

Mi jefe está fuera de la oficina hasta el lunes.

My boss is out of the office until Monday.

'Fuera' vs. 'Afuera'

In many cases, 'fuera' and 'afuera' mean the same thing ('outside'). 'Afuera' can sometimes suggest movement towards the outside ('vamos afuera' - let's go outside), but don't worry too much, they are often used interchangeably.

Afuera vs. Fuera

Learners often confuse 'afuera' and 'fuera' because both mean 'outside'. Remember that 'afuera' often implies movement or the general concept of being outdoors, while 'fuera' is more about the state of being outside or a command to leave.

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