adelante

Adelante is a Spanish word that serves as an adverb and an interjection with several related senses centered on movement toward the front, progression, or permission to proceed. As an adverb, it describes forward or onward direction, as in “avanza adelante” (move forward) or “la fila continúa adelante” (the line goes on ahead). As an interjection, it is commonly used to grant permission or to encourage someone to begin or continue, as in “Adelante, pase” or “Adelante, hable” (Go ahead, please come in; Go ahead, speak).

Etymology and form: Adelante is formed from a plus delante, a term meaning in front or ahead. Delante itself derives from the idea of being toward or before something, and adelante functions in everyday Spanish as a particle that signals forward movement or consent to proceed.

Usage and nuances: Adelante contrasts with atrás or detrás, which mean backward or behind. In everyday speech, it can invite participation or progression in conversations, meetings, or service interactions—signifying permission to proceed or encouragement to take action. It can also appear in phrases indicating the front part of something, such as “la parte de adelante,” though in most contexts the idea of forward movement is primary.

Related terms: The word has cognates in other Iberian languages, such as adiante in Portuguese, and similar forms in Romance languages (e.g., Italian avanti). See also delante and atrás for related directional terms.

Examples: “Sigan adelante” (Keep going). “Puede pasar, adelante” (Please come in, go ahead). “La oficina está en la parte de adelante” (The office is in the front part).