tardar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The word "tardar" is a verb.

Phonetic Transcription

/tarˈðar/

Translation Options into English

• to take (time)
• to delay
• to be late

Meaning and Usage

The verb "tardar" refers to the duration it takes to complete an action or the delay in doing something. It is commonly used in both written and spoken Spanish. The frequency of use is moderate, as it is often employed in everyday conversation as well as in formal writing.

In oral speech, "tardar" is frequently used to express how long something will take or to inquire about a delay.

Example Sentences

1. Voy a tardar una hora en llegar.
   I am going to take an hour to arrive.

2. No quiero tardar demasiado en terminar el proyecto.
   I don’t want to take too long to finish the project.

3. ¿Por qué tardas tanto en responder?
   Why are you taking so long to respond?

Idiomatic Expressions

While "tardar" is not typically featured in a plethora of idiomatic expressions, it is utilized in some phrases that convey the idea of time delays or taking too long. Below are a few expressions, along with example sentences.

1. No tardar en llegar
   el verbo tardar sugiere que alguien llegará pronto.

2. The verb "tardar" suggests that someone will arrive soon.

3. Tardar un siglo
   Esa tarea parece tardar un siglo en completarse.

4. That task seems to take forever to complete.

5. No tardar mucho
   Espero no tardar mucho en terminar mis estudios.

6. I hope I won't take much longer to finish my studies.

7. Tardar en hacer algo
   No deberías tardar en tomar una decisión.

8. You shouldn’t take long to make a decision.

Etymology

The verb "tardar" comes from the Latin "tardāre", which means "to delay" or "to retard". The Latin root "tardus" translates to "slow".

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Demorar (to delay)
• Retrasar (to postpone)
• Llevar tiempo (to take time)

Antonyms

• Acelerar (to speed up)
• Apresurar (to hurry)
• Avanzar (to advance)