tarde lo que tarde
/taɾde lo ke taɾde/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'no matter how long it takes' can be translated into Spanish as tarde lo que tarde.
Used to say that something will be done regardless of the amount of time required.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, tarde lo que tarde translates to 'it takes as long as it takes', though it functions idiomatically to mean 'no matter how long it takes'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, you may hear No importa el tiempo que demore to express the same idea. In Spain, the phrase Pase lo que pase, por más que tarde is used, which carries the additional meaning of 'no matter what happens, no matter how long it takes'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase tarde lo que tarde utilizes the subjunctive mood (tarde) to express an uncertain or hypothetical amount of time.
How do you pronounce it?
/taɾde lo ke taɾde/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Seguiremos trabajando sin importar cuánto tiempo tome.We will keep working no matter how long it takes.
- Te esperaré aquí aunque tarde mucho.I will wait for you here no matter how long it takes.
- Terminaré este proyecto, no importa el tiempo que demore.I will finish this project, no matter how long it takes.
- Conseguiremos nuestro objetivo, pase lo que pase, por más que tarde.We will achieve our goal, no matter what happens, no matter how long it takes.
- Te buscaré, tarde lo que tarde.I will look for you, no matter how long it takes.
- Encontraremos la solución, tarde lo que tarde.We will find the solution, no matter how long it takes.
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing a difficult task at work.
- MaríaEs un trabajo muy difícil, Javier.It is a very difficult job, Javier.
- JavierLo sé, pero lo resolveremos.I know, but we will solve it.
- MaríaLo haremos bien, tarde lo que tarde.We will do it well, no matter how long it takes.
- JavierTienes razón, María. No nos rendiremos.You are right, María. We will not give up.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lo, que, tarde, CC BY-SA 4.0.
