retardé
The English word 'delayed' is translated into French as retardé.
In the context of broadcasting or schedules, the formal term différé may be used to convey a delay. If you are describing an event or meeting that has been moved to a later date, the formal term reporté is more appropriate. For a very informal way to say someone or something is running late, you can use the expression à la bourre.
Meaning: adjective (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
retardé is the past participle of the verb retarder, which means 'to delay' or 'to slow down'.
Which one should you use?
While retardé describes something that has been delayed (like a flight or a train), the phrase en retard is used to say a person or a vehicle is running late.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, retardé must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use retardée for feminine nouns, retardés for masculine plural nouns and retardées for feminine plural nouns.
Did you know?
- Be careful using retardé to describe a person, as it can function as a derogatory term meaning 'mentally disabled' or 'slow-witted' in modern slang.
- The word retardé shares a root with the musical term 'ritardando'. Both come from the Latin tardus, meaning 'slow'.
- While en retard is the standard way to say someone is late, the phrase être à la ramasse is a more colorful slang option. It suggests the person is so delayed they are barely keeping up with the situation.
Examples in context
- Mon vol a été retardé.My flight was delayed.This sentence shows how to use retardé to describe a delayed flight.Tatoeba #7124888 by Aiji, translation #4497162 by CK
- Son vol a été retardé.His flight was delayed.Tatoeba #11997974 by lbdx, translation #8503485 by ET
- Le vol 123 a-t-il été retardé ?Has Flight 123 been delayed?This sentence uses retardé to ask if a specific flight has been delayed.Tatoeba #1309015 by sacredceltic, translation #73344 by CK
- Le train est en retard.The train is delayed.
- La réunion est reportée à demainThe meeting is postponed until tomorrow
- L'événement est différé en raison de problèmes techniquesThe event is delayed due to technical issues
- Je suis à la bourre, je vais arriver plus tardI'm running late, I will arrive later
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are waiting at the train station.
- HugoLe train est encore retardé.The train is delayed again.
- LéaC'est vraiment frustrant, Hugo.That is really frustrating, Hugo.
- HugoOui, je suis très en retard.Yes, I am very late.
- LéaOn va attendre ensemble, alors.We will wait together, then.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
