de afuera
Lemma Details
Translation: from outside; from the outside; from abroad; from the exterior
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: Composed of the preposition 'de' (from) and 'afuera' (outside). 'Afuera' itself comes from Latin 'ad' (to, toward) + 'foras' (outside, outdoors). The construction parallels the English 'from outside' but with the characteristic Spanish pattern of using 'de' to indicate origin or source.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La presión de afuera es muy fuerte.
The pressure from outside is very strong.
Trajeron expertos de afuera para resolver el problema.
They brought in experts from outside to solve the problem.
Las noticias de afuera son preocupantes.
The news from abroad is concerning.
No me gusta cuando la gente de afuera critica nuestras costumbres.
I don't like it when outsiders criticize our customs.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'de' as 'from' and 'afuera' as 'a-FWEH-ra' sounding like 'a-FWEH-ra from here' to remember it means 'from outside'
- Picture a door with an arrow pointing from the outside in, labeled 'de afuera'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In some Latin American countries, 'de afuera' can have connotations related to foreignness or being an outsider to a community. It can sometimes carry subtle implications about belonging or not belonging to a particular social group or geographic area.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'De afuera' specifically means 'from outside' indicating origin or source, while 'afuera' alone simply means 'outside' as a location.
Confused word:
Vamos a jugar afuera.
Let's play outside.
Notes: The preposition 'de' is crucial as it changes the meaning from a simple location to indicating origin or source.
Mnemonic: 'De afuera' has 'de' (from) + 'afuera' (outside) = 'from outside', while 'afuera' alone is just the location 'outside'.
Explanation: 'De afuera' indicates something coming from outside, while 'hacia afuera' indicates movement toward the outside or outward.
Confused word:
El agua fluye hacia afuera.
The water flows outward.
Notes: These phrases indicate opposite directions of movement.
Mnemonic: 'De' = from (coming in), 'hacia' = toward (going out).