atrás

Atrás is a term used in both Spanish and Portuguese with multiple related senses, primarily indicating position, direction, or temporal relation. In both languages it functions as an adverb and, in combination with prepositions, as part of phrases that describe location or movement.

In spatial use, atrás means behind or at the rear relative to something in front of it. Examples include the Spanish “La casa está detrás del museo” (the house is behind the museum) and the Portuguese “A casa fica atrás da escola” (the house is behind the school). It is also used with de to form locational phrases such as “atrás de” or “de trás” to specify the object located behind another.

In time, atrás is employed to express a point in the past, often in colloquial contexts. Spanish examples include “hace tres años” and “tres años atrás” both meaning three years ago. In Portuguese, “há dois dias atrás” can be used, though “há dois dias” is also common. The word thus functions as a backward-looking reference, contrasting with terms that denote the future or the front.

Idiomatic and grammatical notes: atrás can appear in verbs and expressions involving moving backward or returning, such as “voltar atrás” (to go back) or “ficar para trás” (to fall behind). It also relates to its antonym frente/diante in Spanish or à frente/na frente in Portuguese, which denote the direction in front.

Etymology generally traces to a base meaning of “toward the rear” formed from a and tras, and its precise usage and collocations vary by region and language variety.

See also: atrás de, para trás, detrā́s (Spanish-related terms).