Adjective
/tˈaɾ.ðo/
Tardo is primarily used to describe something that is slow in speed or occurs later than expected. In terms of frequency, tardo is commonly used in both oral speech and written contexts, and it can refer to physical speed, emotional responses, or timing in events.
El tren está tarde hoy.
The train is late today.
Ella es un poco tardo para reaccionar.
She is a little slow to react.
No me gusta llegar tardo a las reuniones.
I don't like arriving late to meetings.
The word tardo appears in various idiomatic expressions, often conveying the notion of slowness or lateness in either actions or outcomes.
Más tardo que nunca.
Later than ever.
(Used when something arrives or happens much later than anticipated.)
Tardo pero seguro.
Slow but sure.
(Expressing that a methodical, slow approach can still lead to successful outcomes.)
No soy tardo, solo preciso.
I'm not slow, I'm just precise.
(This expression suggests that being methodical is better than being fast.)
Es mejor tardo que nunca.
Better late than never.
(A common phrase used to suggest that it's better to do something late than not do it at all.)
El éxito no llega a los que son tardo.
Success does not come to those who are slow.
(Emphasizes the idea that success requires timely action.)
The word tardo originates from the Latin tardus, which means "slow" or "late". The transition from Latin to Spanish seen here is typical in the development of many adjectives in the Spanish language.