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How to Say "previous" in Spanish

English → Spanish

anterior

ahn-teh-RYOR/an.teˈɾjor/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'anterior' when referring to something that came just before in time or sequence, like a preceding event or item.
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 form 'anteriores' when referring to multiple preceding items or periods in time or sequence.
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').

antiguas

an-TEE-gwas/anˈtiɣwas/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'antiguas' (feminine plural) when referring to things or people from a past period, such as former colleagues or old habits.
Two large, ornate, tarnished brass keys hanging unused on a wooden peg, representing former responsibilities or positions.

Examples

Ellas eran mis antiguas compañeras de trabajo.

They were my former/previous colleagues.

Las antiguas oficinas estaban en el centro de la ciudad.

The former offices were in the city center.

A veces me encuentro con mis antiguas amigas de la escuela.

Sometimes I run into my old/former school friends.

Placement Changes Meaning

When 'antiguas' is placed before the noun (e.g., 'antiguas amigas'), it means 'former' or 'previous.' When placed after the noun (e.g., 'amigas antiguas'), it emphasizes their old age.

Confusing Placement

Mistake: “Saying 'las casas antiguas' when you mean 'the former houses.'”

Correction: To mean 'former,' place the adjective first: 'las antiguas casas.' 'Las casas antiguas' means 'the old, aged houses.'

Anterior vs. Antiguas

Learners often confuse 'anterior'/'anteriores' with 'antiguas'. Remember that 'anterior'/'anteriores' refers to immediate sequence in time, while 'antiguas' implies a more distant past, often relating to possession or a former state (like a previous job or relationship).

Related Translations

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