Hello! If you’re looking to expand your Spanish vocabulary and express the concept of “late,” you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various ways to convey “late” in Spanish, both in formal and informal settings. We’ll also touch upon any regional variations when necessary. So, let’s dive right in and learn how to express this common concept effectively!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Late” in Spanish:
When speaking in formal or professional contexts, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are a few phrases you can use to express “late” formally:
1. Tarde
The most common and versatile way to say “late” in Spanish is “tarde.” This word can be used in both formal and informal situations. For example:
Disculpe, llegué tarde a la reunión. (Excuse me, I arrived late to the meeting.)
“Disculpe” is a formal way to apologize for being late, while “llegué tarde” means “I arrived late.” Remember to use “llegué” for the first person singular (I).
2. Con retraso
In formal settings, you can also use the phrase “con retraso” to convey being late:
El vuelo saldrá con retraso. (The flight will depart with a delay.)
“Con retraso” implies a delay or being behind schedule. It’s commonly used when referring to transportation, appointments, or any situation that involves a set time.
3. Fuera de horario
Another formal way to express being late is by using the term “fuera de horario:”
El envío llegó fuera de horario. (The delivery arrived outside office hours.)
“Fuera de horario” suggests something happening outside the designated or expected time frame.
Informal Ways to Say “Late” in Spanish:
Now, let’s explore some informal expressions to describe being late in Spanish:
1. Tarde como siempre
If you often find yourself running late, you can use the phrase “tarde como siempre” to convey that you are late as usual:
Llegué tarde a la fiesta, tarde como siempre. (I arrived late to the party, as usual.)
This phrase adds a touch of humor to your explanation, acknowledging that being late is a recurring behavior.
2. Pasado de la hora
When you are describing someone or something as “past the time” or “overdue,” the phrase “pasado de la hora” is suitable in informal contexts:
El programa de televisión empezó tarde, está pasado de la hora. (The TV show started late, it’s past the time.)
“Pasado de la hora” gives the sense that something is not only late but significantly beyond the expected time.
3. Me retrasé
In more casual situations, a common phrase to use when you want to take responsibility for your own lateness is “me retrasé”:
Me retrasé para el partido, lo siento. (I got delayed for the game, sorry.)
“Me retrasé” is an informal way to express that you were delayed personally, attributing the responsibility to yourself.
Regional Variations:
While the phrases mentioned thus far are understood and used across many Spanish-speaking regions, it’s worth noting that local variations exist. Here are a couple of examples:
1. Latin American Variation – Atrasado/a
In some Latin American countries, people use “atrasado/a” to mean “late” instead of the more common “tarde.” For example:
Llegó atrasado/a a la reunión. (He/she arrived late to the meeting.)
The use of “atrasado/a” instead of “tarde” is purely a regional preference in certain countries.
2. Spanish Variation – Tardío/a
In Spain, it’s also common to use the term “tardío/a” as an alternative to “tarde.” For instance:
El tren tiene un retraso tardío/a. (The train is running late.)
The use of “tardío/a” showcases a Castilian Spanish preference and adds nuance to the meaning of being late.
Wrap Up:
Congratulations, you’ve reached the end of our guide on how to say “late” in Spanish! We covered both formal and informal expressions, giving you a wide range of options to suit various situations. Remember to choose your phrases based on the formality of your context. Whether you’re using the versatile “tarde” or opting for a more region-specific expression, your Spanish conversations will now include the appropriate vocabulary for expressing lateness in an effective and culturally sensitive manner. Practice incorporating these phrases into your daily Spanish interactions, and you’ll become a master of expressing “late” in Spanish!
