Inklingo

How to Say "previous" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “previous” is “anterior” — use this common word to refer to something that came just before in time or sequence, like the last meeting or the preceding event.

anterior🔊A2

Use this common word to refer to something that came just before in time or sequence, like the last meeting or the preceding event.

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previo🔊A2

Use this when something must happen or be done before something else, often implying a requirement or a step in a process.

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anteriores🔊A2

This is the plural form of 'anterior', used when referring to multiple previous items in time or sequence, like past weeks or events.

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antiguo🔊B1

Use this to describe something or someone that existed or held a position before the current one, often implying a former state or owner.

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precedente🔊B2

This more formal term refers to something that came immediately before in a text, speech, or a specific sequence of events.

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antecedente🔊C1

This word is used for something that happened or existed significantly earlier in time or as a cause for a later event or situation.

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English → Spanish

anterior

ahn-teh-RYORan.teˈɾjor

adjectiveA2general
Use this common word to refer to something that came just before in time or sequence, like the last meeting or the preceding event.
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'.

previo

PREH-bee-ohˈpɾeβjo

adjectiveA2general
Use this when something must happen or be done before something else, often implying a requirement or a step in a process.
A row of three flower pots showing the growth of a plant, with a focus on the empty pot with soil that comes before the sprout.

Examples

Necesitas una cita previa para ver al médico.

You need a previous appointment (to book in advance) to see the doctor.

Sin aviso previo, la tienda cerró sus puertas.

Without prior notice, the store closed its doors.

El estudio previo demostró que el proyecto era viable.

The preliminary study showed that the project was viable.

Matching Endings

Since this is a describing word, its ending must change to match the thing you're talking about. Use 'previo' for masculine things (un aviso previo) and 'previa' for feminine things (una cita previa).

Using it with 'a'

When you want to say something happened 'prior to' an event, use the phrase 'previo a'. It works just like 'antes de' but sounds a bit more professional.

Forgetting the 'A'

Mistake: “Hablamos previo la reunión.”

Correction: Hablamos previo a la reunión (We spoke prior to the meeting). You always need the 'a' when connecting it to a specific event.

anteriores

an-teh-RYOH-rehsan.teˈɾjo.ɾes

adjectiveA2general
This is the plural form of 'anterior', used when referring to multiple previous items in time or sequence, like past weeks or events.
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').

antiguo

an-TEE-gwohanˈtiɣwo

adjectiveB1general
Use this to describe something or someone that existed or held a position before the current one, often implying a former state or owner.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration showing a tarnished, simple five-pointed sheriff's star badge lying abandoned in the dirt, symbolizing a former position.

Examples

Mi antiguo compañero de piso se mudó el mes pasado.

My former roommate moved out last month.

Ella vendió su antigua casa y compró un apartamento nuevo.

She sold her previous house and bought a new apartment.

The Meaning Shifter

When 'antiguo' comes BEFORE the noun (e.g., 'mi antiguo trabajo'), its meaning shifts completely from 'old' to 'former' or 'previous status.' This is a common pattern for Spanish adjectives.

Placement Error

Mistake: “Saying 'Mi jefe antiguo' when you mean 'My former boss.'”

Correction: If you say 'Mi jefe antiguo,' it means your boss is old (aged). To mean 'former boss,' you must put it first: 'Mi antiguo jefe.'

precedente

pre-se-DEN-tepɾeseˈðente

adjectiveB2formal
This more formal term refers to something that came immediately before in a text, speech, or a specific sequence of events.
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'.

antecedente

an-te-seh-DEN-tehanteseˈdente

adjectiveC1formal
This word is used for something that happened or existed significantly earlier in time or as a cause for a later event or situation.
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.

Choosing between 'anterior' and 'previo'

Learners often confuse 'anterior' and 'previo'. Remember that 'anterior' is for general sequence in time (the previous day), while 'previo' implies something that must be done first, like a 'previous' reservation or appointment.

Related Translations

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