Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “procrastinate” in Spanish. Whether you’re learning the language, planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country, or simply curious, we’ve got you covered! Below, you’ll find the formal and informal ways to express this concept, along with some tips, examples, and even regional variations if occasionally relevant. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Procrastinate
1. “Posponer”: In formal situations, “posponer” is commonly used to express the idea of procrastination. It is a straightforward and widely understood term. For example:
Mejor no pospongas esa tarea importante. (It’s better not to procrastinate on that important task.)
2. “Prolongar”: Another formal option is “prolongar,” which literally means “to prolong” but can also be used to mean “to procrastinate” in certain contexts. Example:
No debemos prolongar más la entrega del proyecto. (We should not procrastinate the project submission any longer.)
Informal Ways to Say Procrastinate
1. “Hacerse el/la sueco/a”: This literal expression, meaning “to act like a Swede,” is commonly used in informal settings to convey the idea of procrastination. It is similar to saying “to play dumb” in English when avoiding responsibilities. Example:
No hagas el sueco y realiza tus tareas pendientes. (Don’t procrastinate and do your pending tasks.)
2. “Dejar para mañana”: This informal phrase translates to “to leave it for tomorrow” and is frequently used to refer to procrastination. Example:
Siempre dejas para mañana lo que puedes hacer hoy. (You always procrastinate and leave things for tomorrow.)
Regional Variations
While most Spanish-speaking regions use the expressions mentioned above, it’s worth mentioning a few interesting regional variations:
- Mexico: In Mexico, the verb “zafar” is sometimes used to mean “to procrastinate.” Example: “No lo zafes más y hazlo ahora.” (Stop procrastinating and do it now.)
- Argentina: In Argentina, it’s common to hear the phrase “hacerse el boludo/a” as a colloquial way to say “to procrastinate.” Example: “No te hagas el boludo y termina tu trabajo.” (Don’t procrastinate and finish your work.)
Useful Tips
1. Consider the context: Depending on the situation, the appropriate formality level can vary. Use the formal expressions when talking to superiors, colleagues, or people you don’t know well. Informal expressions are better suited for friends, family, or casual conversations.
2. Practice makes perfect: Try using these expressions in relevant situations to help you remember them. The more you practice, the more natural they will become.
3. Embrace the local culture: If you’re planning to visit a specific Spanish-speaking country, it’s useful to familiarize yourself with local variations and expressions. It shows respect and helps you connect with the locals on a deeper level.
Examples in Context
To further illustrate the usage of these expressions, here are a few examples in different contexts:
- Work: “No puedo permitirme posponer esta reunión importante.” (I can’t afford to procrastinate this important meeting.)
- Studies: “Es mejor no hacerse el/la sueco/a y estudiar para el examen.” (It’s better not to procrastinate and study for the exam.)
- Chores: “No dejes para mañana lo que puedes hacer hoy.” (Don’t procrastinate and do today what you can.)
Remember, the key to becoming fluent lies in consistent practice and exposure to the language. So don’t be afraid to use these expressions in your conversations, and most importantly, don’t procrastinate learning Spanish itself!
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of how to say “procrastinate” in Spanish, we hope this guide helps you communicate effectively in various situations. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
