retrasar Present Subjunctive Conjugation
retrasar — to delay
The present subjunctive of retrasar (retrace, retrases, etc.) follows expressions of doubt, desire, emotion, or uncertainty.
retrasar Present Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Present Subjunctive
Use this tense when expressing wishes, doubts, emotions, or recommendations about someone delaying something *now* or in the *future*. It's often triggered by phrases like 'Espero que...' (I hope that...), 'Dudo que...' (I doubt that...), or 'Quiero que...' (I want that...).
Notes on retrasar in the Present Subjunctive
Retrasar is regular in the present subjunctive. The forms are derived from the 'yo' form of the present indicative ('retraso').
Example Sentences
Espero que no retrases la entrega del informe.
I hope you don't delay the report delivery.
tú
Dudo que ellos retrasen la decisión final.
I doubt they will delay the final decision.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Te pido que no retrases la cita médica.
I ask you not to delay the medical appointment.
tú
Es importante que nosotros no retrasemos el pago.
It's important that we don't delay the payment.
nosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the present indicative instead of the present subjunctive.
Correct: After 'Espero que...', use 'Espero que no retrase' (subjunctive) not 'Espero que no retrasa' (indicative).
Why: Certain trigger phrases (like expressions of hope or doubt) require the subjunctive mood.
Mistake: Forgetting the 'yo' and 'él/ella/usted' forms are the same.
Correct: Both 'yo retrase' and 'él/ella/usted retrase' use the same form.
Why: This is a common pattern in the present subjunctive for -ar verbs.
Master Spanish verbs in context
Memorizing tables only gets you so far. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see verbs like 'retrasar' used naturally — in the tenses you're learning.
Related Tenses
Present
yo: retraso
The present tense of retrasar (retraso, retrasas, etc.) is for actions happening now or habitual delays.
Preterite
yo: retrasé
The preterite of retrasar is regular: retrasé, retrasaste, retrasó, retrasamos, retrasasteis, retrasaron, for completed past actions.
Imperfect
yo: retrasaba
The imperfect of retrasar (retrasaba, retrasabas, etc.) describes ongoing or habitual delays in the past.
Future
yo: retrasaré
The future tense of retrasar (retrasaré, retrasarás, etc.) indicates actions that will happen or expresses probability.
Conditional
yo: retrasaría
The conditional of retrasar (retrasaría, retrasarías, etc.) expresses 'would' delays, polite requests, or future-in-the-past.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: retrasara
The imperfect subjunctive of retrasar (retrasara, retrasaras, etc.) is used for past hypotheticals, wishes, or politeness.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: retrasa
Use the imperative of retrasar for direct commands: retrasa (tú), retrase (usted), retrasemos (nosotros), retrasad (vosotros), retrasen (ustedes).
Negative Imperative
yo: no retrases
Negative commands for retrasar use 'no' plus the present subjunctive: no retrases (tú), no retrase (usted), no retrasemos (nosotros), no retraséis (vosotros), no retrasen (ustedes).