adverb

adentro

inside

Indica que algo está en el interior de un lugar o espacio, no afuera.

Definition & meaning

Adentro is an adverb meaning inside, in, or inward. It indicates movement toward or location within an enclosed space, area, or interior.

Location: Está adentro. — “He/She/It is inside.”
Movement inward: Pasa adentro. — “Come in” or “Go inside.”
Figurative meaning: it can refer to something internal or deeply felt, such as muy adentro — “deep inside.”

In many varieties of Latin American Spanish, adentro is especially common for “inside,” while in Spain dentro is often preferred.

Grammar & Word origin

Adentro is an invariable adverb, so it does not change for gender or number.

It is formed from the prefix a- plus dentro:

a- expresses direction or movement toward something.
dentro means “inside” or “within.”

It can be used alone or with a preposition:

adentro — “inside”
hacia adentro — “inward”
de adentro — “from inside”
para adentro — “inward” or “inside”

When referring to a specific noun, dentro de is generally more standard: dentro de la casa — “inside the house.” The form adentro de is also widely used in many regions, especially in Latin America.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

dentro — “inside” or “within.” It is the closest synonym and is often more neutral or preferred in formal Spanish.
interiormente — “internally” or “inwardly.” It is more formal and usually refers to an internal or figurative state.
en el interior — “in the interior” or “inside.” This is a longer, more formal expression.

Antonyms

afuera — “outside.” It is the most direct opposite of adentro.
fuera — “outside” or “out.” It is often interchangeable with afuera, though fuera is also used in more abstract contexts.
hacia afuera — “outward,” describing movement away from the inside.

Common phrases & collocations

pasar adentro — to come in or go inside
entrar adentro — to go inside; common in speech, though entrar alone already implies movement inward
más adentro — farther inside or deeper in
muy adentro — very deep inside
de adentro — from inside; also “internal” in some contexts
¡Adentro! — “Come in!”, “Go in!”, or “Inside!”, used as a command or invitation