retrasado
/re-trah-SAH-doh/
delayed
Showing a train that is delayed or running late.
retrasado(adjective)
delayed
?schedule, transport
,late
?arrival time
overdue
?payment, library book
📝 In Action
El vuelo a Madrid está retrasado por mal tiempo.
A2The flight to Madrid is delayed due to bad weather.
Mi reloj está cinco minutos retrasado.
B1My watch is five minutes slow/behind.
La entrega de los materiales va muy retrasada.
B2The delivery of the materials is very delayed.
💡 Grammar Points
Use with Estar
When describing a temporary state of being behind schedule, use the verb 'estar': 'El tren está retrasado' (The train is delayed right now).
Agreement
Like most Spanish describing words, 'retrasado' must match the thing it describes: 'retrasado' (masc. sing.), 'retrasada' (fem. sing.), 'retrasados' (masc. plural), 'retrasadas' (fem. plural).
⭐ Usage Tips
Simple Delay
For simply saying I am late, it is more common to use 'Llego tarde' (I arrive late) rather than 'Estoy retrasado', which usually refers to things or events.
Illustrating something backward or lacking development.
retrasado(adjective)
backward
?lacking development
,underdeveloped
?technology, infrastructure
behind the times
?socially or technologically
📝 In Action
Su sistema educativo está muy retrasado en comparación con otros países.
B1Their educational system is very backward/behind compared to other countries.
Esa empresa utiliza métodos de trabajo muy retrasados.
B2That company uses very outdated/backward working methods.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Progress
This meaning describes something that hasn't kept up with the current pace of progress or fashion.
Used as an offensive insult for a foolish person, meaning idiot.
retrasado(adjective)
idiot
?offensive insult (used as a noun)
,mentally disabled
?outdated and offensive medical term
moron
?highly derogatory
📝 In Action
¡Qué retrasado eres! ¿Cómo pudiste olvidar las llaves?
C1What an idiot you are! How could you forget the keys?
⭐ Usage Tips
WARNING: Avoid Use
This term is considered highly derogatory and insulting when applied to a person, whether referring to intelligence or as a general insult. Use respectful alternatives like 'persona con discapacidad' for medical context, or 'tonto' for a mild insult.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: retrasado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'retrasado' in its most common, neutral context?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'retrasado' always a negative word?
No. When referring to time, like a flight or a meeting, it is a neutral description meaning 'delayed.' However, when describing a person or a society's progress, it can range from mildly critical ('behind the times') to highly offensive (when used as a slur against a person).
What is the difference between 'retrasado' and 'tarde'?
'Tarde' is an adverb meaning 'late' ('Llegué tarde' - I arrived late). 'Retrasado' is an adjective or past participle meaning 'delayed' or 'behind schedule,' and it usually describes things or events ('El tren está retrasado' - The train is delayed).