previo
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “previo” mean in English?
1.previous, prior — existing or occurring before; earlier
previous, prior — existing or occurring before; earlier (experiencia previa, acuerdo previo)
2.prior, previous — existing or occurring before something else; often in administrative or procedural contexts
prior, previous — existing or occurring before something else; often in administrative or procedural contexts (autorización previa, aviso previo)
Example sentences
Para acceder al programa de posgrado se requiere experiencia previa en el sector de al menos dos años y titulación superior.
To access the postgraduate programme, prior experience in the sector of at least two years and a higher degree are required.
El contrato establece que la rescisión debe notificarse con un mes de antelación previo aviso por escrito.
The contract stipulates that termination must be notified one month in advance with prior written notice.
How to use it
Previo/a means 'previous, prior' — existing or happening before something else. Common collocations: experiencia previa, acuerdo previo, aviso previo, consulta previa, sin previo aviso. Ser: always ser. Common phrase: previo acuerdo/aviso/consentimiento — before or subject to prior agreement/notice/consent.
Common mistake
Previo ≠ anterior: anterior is the direct opposite of posterior (previous in a sequence); previo emphasises the prerequisite or beforehand condition. 'El capítulo anterior' = the preceding chapter; 'la consulta previa' = the consultation that must happen first.