perder mi tiempo
/peɾdeɾ mi tjempo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'waste my time' is translated into Spanish as perder mi tiempo.
This phrase is used when you are spending time on something that is not useful or productive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally translated as 'to lose my time'.
How does it change in a sentence?
While perder mi tiempo specifically means 'to waste my time', it is very common to use the definite article el instead of the possessive mi (resulting in perder el tiempo) to express the general concept of wasting time. Additionally, to express the active sense of 'you are wasting my time', Spanish speakers often use the construction hacer perder el tiempo, such as in the phrase me estás haciendo perder el tiempo (you are making me waste my time).
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Juan, puedo entender que haya situaciones inesperadas, pero por favor evita hacerme perder mi tiempo con tareas innecesarias.John, I can understand unexpected situations, but please avoid wasting my time with unnecessary tasks.
- No quiero perder mi tiempo con esto.I don't want to waste my time with this.
- No quiero perder mi tiempo con esa película.I don't want to waste my time with that movie.
- Siento que voy a perder mi tiempo en esa reunión.I feel like I'm going to waste my time in that meeting.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing a boring project at work.
- Mateo¿Vas a ir a la conferencia de hoy?Are you going to the conference today?
- SofíaNo, no quiero perder mi tiempo allí.No, I don't want to waste my time there.
- MateoTienes razón, es muy aburrida.You're right, it is very boring.
- SofíaPrefiero quedarme trabajando en mi oficina.I prefer to stay working in my office.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mi, perder, tiempo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
