contratiempo
“contratiempo” means “setback” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
setback
Also: mishap, hiccup
📝 In Action
Lamento la demora, tuve un pequeño contratiempo con el tráfico.
A2I'm sorry for the delay, I had a small setback with traffic.
El proyecto terminó a tiempo a pesar de los contratiempos.
B1The project finished on time despite the setbacks.
Si surge cualquier contratiempo, avísame de inmediato.
B2If any mishap arises, let me know immediately.
off-beat
Also: syncopation
📝 In Action
Esta canción de salsa tiene un ritmo a contratiempo.
B2This salsa song has an off-beat rhythm.
El baterista toca a contratiempo para crear tensión.
C1The drummer plays on the off-beat to create tension.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: contratiempo
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence is the best way to apologize for being late because of a flat tire?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Formed by combining 'contra' (against) and 'tiempo' (time). It literally means something that happens 'against the time' or 'against the rhythm' of your plans.
First recorded: 17th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'contratiempo' the same as 'problema'?
Mostly, yes. However, a 'contratiempo' is specifically an *unexpected* problem that usually delays you or interrupts a plan. A 'problema' can be anything from a math equation to a difficult situation.
Can I use 'contratiempo' to describe a storm?
No. Even though it has the word 'tiempo' in it, use 'temporal' or 'tormenta' for a storm. 'Contratiempo' is for your schedule or rhythm.
Is it formal or informal?
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, but it's also very common and polite to use in business meetings or emails to explain why something is late.