Inklingo

How to Say "prior" in Spanish

English → Spanish

previamente

pre-byah-MEN-tehpɾeˈβjaˈmente

adverbB1
Use this word when you want to say 'beforehand' or 'earlier' in relation to an action or event that has already occurred.
A row of three flower pots: the first shows a small seed in soil, the second a sprout, and the third a blooming flower.

Examples

Llena el formulario previamente antes de tu llegada.

Fill out the form beforehand before your arrival.

Debes leer las instrucciones previamente.

You must read the instructions beforehand.

Como se mencionó previamente, la reunión fue cancelada.

As previously mentioned, the meeting was canceled.

El sospechoso había sido arrestado previamente.

The suspect had been previously arrested.

The '-mente' Ending

Just like '-ly' in English, the ending '-mente' turns a description word into an action-description word (an adverb). Here, 'previo' (previous) becomes 'previamente' (previously).

Using 'previamente' vs 'antes'

Mistake: “Using 'previamente de' to say 'before something'.”

Correction: Use 'antes de' for specific things (antes de la cena) and 'previamente' as a standalone word (hazlo previamente).

previo

PREH-bee-ohˈpɾeβjo

adjectiveA2formal
Use this word to describe a requirement, condition, or event that must happen or be in place before something else can occur.
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

Es necesario un examen previo para acceder a la especialidad.

A prior exam is necessary to access the specialization.

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.

Adverb vs. Adjective Confusion

The most common mistake is using 'previamente' (adverb) when you need 'previo' (adjective), or vice-versa. Remember, 'previo' modifies a noun (like 'cita previa' - prior appointment), while 'previamente' describes how an action is done (like 'leer previamente' - to read beforehand).

Related Translations

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