retrasado
“retrasado” means “delayed” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
delayed, late
Also: 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.
backward, underdeveloped
Also: 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B2That company uses very outdated/backward working methods.
idiot, mentally disabled
Also: moron
📝 In Action
¡Qué retrasado eres! ¿Cómo pudiste olvidar las llaves?
C1What an idiot you are! How could you forget the keys?
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "retrasado" in Spanish:
backward→delayed→idiot→late→mentally disabled→moron→overdue→underdeveloped→✏️ 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).