detrás
behind
The Spanish word 'detrás' is equivalent to 'behind' in English. It is mostly used in sentences to express physical location or position. However, similar to English, it can also be used metaphorically to suggest lateness or shortfall in progress. Like 'behind schedule'. A proper use of the word in sentence could be 'La pelota está detrás del árbol' (The ball is behind the tree).
Example sentences using: detrás
Mi mochila está detrás de la puerta.
My backpack is behind the door.
In this case, 'detrás' is used to specify the position of a object, the backpack, that it is 'behind' the door.
Ella se quedó detrás para ayudar a los demás.
She stayed behind to help others.
In this context, 'detrás' is used to indicate that she stayed back or 'behind' to help others.
El libro está detrás de la silla.
The book is behind the chair.
In this sentence, 'detrás' is used to indicate the position of an object, the book, in relation to another, the chair. The book is placed 'behind' the chair.
Camina detrás de Juan.
Walk behind Juan.
Here, 'detrás' is used to direct someone's movement. The speaker instructs to walk 'behind' Juan, indicating his position.
Está buscando algo detrás del sofá.
He is looking for something behind the sofa.
In this example, 'detrás' denotes the area wherein someone is searching for something, which is 'behind' the sofa.
Detrás de esa sonrisa, hay mucha tristeza.
Behind that smile, there is much sadness.
In this context, 'detrás' is used metaphorically, portraying that there is sadness 'behind' the smile.
Vivo detrás del supermercado.
I live behind the supermarket.
Here, 'detrás' describes the location of someone's house, which is 'behind' the supermarket.
Detrás de la cortina, hay una ventana.
Behind the curtain, there is a window.
In this sentence, 'detrás' indicates where the window is located - which is 'behind' the curtain.
El gato se esconde detrás del sofá.
The cat hides behind the sofa.
In this example, 'detrás' denotes the place where the cat hides, which is 'behind' the sofa.
Si miras detrás del edificio, verás el parque.
If you look behind the building, you will see the park.
Here, 'detrás' describes where the park can be found, which is 'behind' the building.