Incorrect Preposition

When you say how long you take to do an action, you must follow 'tardar' with the word 'en' and then the action verb in its base form (infinitive): 'Tardé una hora en terminar' (I took an hour to finish).

Using 'tardar' with 'en'

Use 'tardar' when the focus is on the subject (the person doing the action) and the time they require. Use 'durar' when the focus is on the event itself and its total length: 'El viaje tardó (I took time)' vs. 'La película duró (The movie lasted)'.

Tardar vs. Durar

Remember that 'tardar' is usually conjugated to match the person who is taking the time. For example, 'él tarda' (he takes time), 'nosotros tardamos' (we take time).

Focus on Subject

Extremely common. Used daily to talk about how much time something requires or how long a delay is.

Learn how to use the Spanish verb 'tardar' (to take time, to delay). Includes full conjugations, common phrases using 'tardar en', and the difference between 'tardar' and 'durar'.

Tardar Meaning, Conjugation, and Usage | Inklingo

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tardar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

conditional

present

preterite

imperfect

future

imperative

affirmative

negative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

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