por afuera
Lemma Details
Translation: from the outside; on the outside; externally
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: This adverbial phrase combines 'por' (from Latin 'pro', meaning 'for', 'through', or 'by means of') and 'afuera' (from Latin 'ad' + 'foras', meaning 'toward outside'). The combination creates a spatial expression indicating movement or position from or on the exterior of something.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 60%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mira la casa por afuera antes de entrar.
Look at the house from the outside before entering.
El edificio es hermoso por afuera, pero necesita renovaciones por dentro.
The building is beautiful on the outside, but needs renovations on the inside.
Prefiero pintar la cerca por afuera.
I prefer to paint the fence from the outside.
Por afuera parece fácil, pero es complicado cuando lo intentas.
From the outside it seems easy, but it's complicated when you try it.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'por' as 'through' and 'afuera' as 'outside' - so it's like looking at something 'through the outside'
- Associate 'afuera' with 'a fuera' (to outside) to remember it refers to external positioning
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in everyday Spanish to indicate spatial relationships. It's used across all Spanish-speaking countries without significant cultural variations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'por afuera' and 'por fuera' are often used interchangeably, 'por fuera' sometimes has a more specific meaning of 'along the outside' or 'by the exterior'.
Notes: In many contexts, these phrases can be used interchangeably, but 'por afuera' sometimes emphasizes the external perspective more strongly.
Mnemonic: 'Afuera' contains the complete word 'fuera' plus 'a', suggesting a more specific direction toward the outside.
Explanation: 'Por afuera' indicates position or perspective from the outside, while 'desde afuera' specifically emphasizes the starting point being outside.
Notes: 'Por afuera' is more general about external positioning, while 'desde afuera' emphasizes the starting point of an action or perspective.
Mnemonic: 'Desde' means 'from', so 'desde afuera' specifically means 'from outside' with emphasis on the origin point.