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"Por delante" is a phrase which is often translated as "in front", and "por detrás" is a phrase which is often translated as "from behind". Learn more about the difference between "por delante" and "por detrás" below.
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.
por detrás(
pohr
deh
-
trahs
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. from behind
La niña se acercó a su hermano muy silenciosa por detrás y le tapó los ojos.The girl approached her brother very silently from behind and covered his eyes.
a. at the back
Cuando voy al cine, prefiero sentarme por detrás.When I go to the movies, I prefer to sit at the back.
b. on the back
¿Sabes que tienes el vestido manchado por detrás?Do you know your dress is stained on the back?
a. behind someone's back
Yo sé que ella nos pone buena cara, pero que luego nos critica por detrás.I know that to our face, she's nice to us, but then she criticizes us behind our backs.
