Delante

Delante is a Spanish adverb and prepositional phrase meaning in front, ahead, or forward. It denotes a position relative to something else and can function without a reference point or with the preposition de to specify the reference (delante de). It is invariable with respect to gender and number.

Etymology and variants

Delante is formed from the combination of de and ante, reflecting a historical sense of being “from before” or “in front of.” It is related to other spatial terms such as frente and adelante, but it is used specifically to describe a forward position relative to something.

Usage and meanings

As an adverb, delante describes a forward position or direction: por ejemplo, El coche está delante. It can express movement or order in a sequence, as in Caminaban delante del grupo, meaning they walked ahead of the group. With de, it becomes a prepositional phrase indicating the reference point: El cartel está delante de la casa (The sign is in front of the house). Delante is widely used in everyday speech to answer questions like ¿Dónde está…? or to describe relative placement.

Nuances and contrasts

Delante is often contrasted with detrás, which denotes the opposite position: behind. While delante can imply immediacy or proximity to the observer, frente a is another common prepositional alternative for describing facing or confrontation, though frente a focuses more on facing or comparison than mere location.

See also

In Spanish, related terms include adelante (forward, go ahead) and frente (front), as well as the opposites detrás.

This article provides a concise overview of delante as a spatial term in Spanish, with emphasis on its core meaning, formation, and common usage.