vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Delante de" is a preposition which is often translated as "in front of", and "al frente de" is a phrase which is often translated as "in charge of". Learn more about the difference between "delante de" and "al frente de" below.
delante de(
deh
-
lahn
-
teh
deh
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
a. in front of
No digas malas palabras delante de los niños.Don't say rude words in front of the kids.
b. opposite
El baño está delante de la salida de emergencia.The bathroom is opposite the emergency exit.
al frente de(
ahl
frehn
-
teh
deh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. in charge of
Cuando murió mi padre, me quedé yo al frente de la compañía, porque mi hermano quería ser escritor.When my father died, I was left in charge of the company, because my brother wanted to become a writer.
b. leading
La comisaria ha estado al frente de la investigación de varios casos de corrupción.The captain has been leading the investigation of several cases of corruption.
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Estuvo al frente del partido de 2005 a 2010.He was the leader of the party from 2005 to 2010.
Mi madre lleva muchos años al frente del ayuntamiento del pueblo.My mother's been the village's mayor for many years now.
2. (heading)
a. leading
Nuestro equipo se encuentra en estos momentos al frente de la clasificación de la liga.Our team is leading the league table at the moment.
b. at the top of
El político está al frente de la lista electoral del partido.The politician is at the top of the party's slate.
3. (military)
a. at the head of
Fue un general valiente, que siempre entró en el campo de batalla al frente de sus tropas.He was a brave general, who always marched to the battlefield at the head of his troops.
