afuera
Lemma Details
Translation: outside; outdoors; outward
Part of Speech: adverb
Etymology: Derived from the Latin 'ad' (to, toward) + 'foras' (outside, out of doors). The Spanish prefix 'a-' combined with 'fuera' (outside) creates 'afuera'. This follows a common pattern in Spanish where the prefix 'a-' indicates direction or movement toward something. The English cognate 'foreign' shares the same Latin root 'foras', both conveying the concept of being outside one's usual boundaries.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'a' (to) + 'fuera' (outside) = 'going to the outside'
- Remember that 'foreign' in English and 'afuera' share the same Latin root, both referring to something outside normal boundaries
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'afuera' is commonly used in everyday conversation to indicate location outside a building or space. It's also used in expressions like '¡Afuera!' as a command meaning 'Get out!' which can be heard in various contexts from parents telling children to play outside to more confrontational situations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'afuera' specifically means 'outside' as a location, 'fuera' can mean 'outside' but also functions as the subjunctive form of 'ser' (to be) and can be used in expressions like 'fuera de' (outside of).
This word:
Vamos a jugar afuera.
Let's play outside.
Confused word:
Estamos fuera de peligro.
We are out of danger.
Notes: 'Afuera' tends to be more specific about physical location outside, while 'fuera' has broader applications including figurative uses.
Mnemonic: 'Afuera' has the 'a' prefix indicating direction or location, while 'fuera' is more versatile in usage.
Explanation: 'Afuera' means 'outside' while 'adentro' means 'inside' - they are direct opposites.
This word:
El perro está afuera.
The dog is outside.
Confused word:
El gato está adentro.
The cat is inside.
Notes: Both words follow the same construction pattern with the prefix 'a-' added to indicate location.
Mnemonic: Think of 'a-FUERA' for 'outside' and 'a-DENTRO' for 'inside' - 'fuera' sounds like 'far' (far away, outside) while 'dentro' contains 'in'.