retrasado
“retrasado” means “delayed” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
delayed, lateAlso: overdue
📝 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.
Word Connections
backward, underdevelopedAlso: behind the times
📝 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B2That company uses very outdated/backward working methods.
Word Connections
idiot, mentally disabledAlso: moron
📝 In Action
¡Qué retrasado eres! ¿Cómo pudiste olvidar las llaves?
C1What an idiot you are! How could you forget the keys?
Word Connections
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "retrasado" in Spanish:
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: retrasado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'retrasado' in its most common, neutral context?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
Formed from the verb 'retrasar' (to delay or hold back), which is built from the prefix 're-' (back/again) and 'trasar' (related to tracing or moving). It literally means 'moved back' or 'held back in time or development'.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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).