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"Delante" is an adverb which is often translated as "in front", and "por delante" is a phrase which is also often translated as "in front". Learn more about the difference between "delante" and "por delante" below.
delante(
deh
-
lahn
-
teh
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. in front
A la izquierda verán las ruinas del templo inca y delante el valle sagrado.To the left, you will see the ruins of the Incan temple and, in front, the sacred valley.
b. ahead
Puedes ir delante, señora. Todavía no sé lo que voy a pedir.You can go ahead, ma'am. I still don't know what I'm going to order.
por delante(
pohr
deh
-
lahn
-
teh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. in front
Los turistas japoneses se sentaban por delante y nosotros por detrás.The Japanese tourists sat in front and we sat in back.
b. at the front
Son pantalones muy modernos. No llevan ni botones ni cremallera por delante.They're very trendy pants. They have no buttons or zipper at the front.
c. ahead
Por delante del pelotón iba un grupo de tres ciclistas escapados.There was a breakaway group of three cyclists ahead of the pack.
d. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Miriam tiene mucho trabajo por delante.Miriam has plenty of work to do.
Tenemos dos horas de camino por delante.We have a two-hour walk ahead of us.
