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How to Say "preceding" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “preceding” is “anterior” — use 'anterior' for general references to something that came before in time or order, especially in everyday conversation or less formal writing.

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anterior

ahn-teh-RYORan.teˈɾjor

adjectiveA2general
Use 'anterior' for general references to something that came before in time or order, especially in everyday conversation or less formal writing.
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-rehsan.teˈɾjo.ɾes

adjectiveA2general/formal
This is the plural form of 'anterior' and is used when referring to multiple preceding items, often in a slightly more formal context than the singular 'anterior'.
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').

antecedente

an-te-seh-DEN-tehanteseˈdente

adjectiveC1formal
Use 'antecedente' when referring to something that comes before in time or order, often implying a more direct causal or logical connection, frequently used in academic or legal contexts.
A row of colorful footprints leading up to a single pair of shoes.

Examples

En el capítulo antecedente explicamos las reglas básicas.

In the preceding chapter, we explained the basic rules.

Analizamos los hechos antecedentes al conflicto.

We analyzed the events previous to the conflict.

La circunstancia antecedente fue decisiva.

The preceding circumstance was decisive.

One Ending for All

Because this adjective ends in -e, it stays the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. 'El día antecedente' and 'la semana antecedente' are both correct.

precedente

pre-se-DEN-tepɾeseˈðente

adjectiveB2formal
Choose 'precedente' when specifically indicating that something comes immediately before something else in sequence, often used in written text like paragraphs or sections.
A line of ducklings following a mother duck across a grassy field.

Examples

Lo explicamos en el párrafo precedente.

We explained it in the preceding paragraph.

Las semanas precedentes fueron muy estresantes.

The preceding weeks were very stressful.

Consulte la tabla precedente para más información.

See the previous table for more information.

One form for both genders

This adjective ends in 'e', which means it doesn't change for boys or girls. Use it with both 'el párrafo' and 'la página'.

Choosing between 'anterior' and 'antecedente'

Learners often confuse 'anterior' and 'antecedente'. While both mean 'coming before', 'anterior' is more general and common, suitable for most situations. Use 'antecedente' when there's a stronger sense of logical or causal sequence, often in more formal or academic writing.

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