tarda
TAR-dah
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
¿Cuánto tiempo tarda el tren de Madrid a Barcelona?
A1How long does the train from Madrid to Barcelona take?
Ella siempre tarda en responder mis mensajes.
A2She always takes a long time to answer my messages.
Si no apuras, el proyecto tarda una semana más.
B1If you don't hurry, the project will take one more week.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'tardar' with 'en'
When you say what action is taking time, you almost always use the little word 'en' followed by the base form of the second verb: 'Tarda en comer' (He takes time to eat).
Impersonal Time
When asking about time duration for things like travel, the subject is often implied ('it'), so you use 'tarda': '¿Cuánto tarda?' (How long does it take?)
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'ser' instead of 'tardar'
Mistake: "El proceso es mucho tiempo."
Correction: El proceso tarda mucho tiempo. (Use 'tardar' to express the duration of an action or event, not the verb 'to be'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Affirmative Command
The form 'tarda' is also the friendly command form (tú) for telling someone to take their time: '¡Tarda, no te preocupes!' (Take your time, don't worry!)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
preterite
present
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tarda
Question 1 of 1
Which of the following phrases is the affirmative command (telling a friend to take their time)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'tarda' and 'tarde'?
'Tarda' is a verb form, meaning 'he/she/it takes time' or 'delays.' 'Tarde' is a noun meaning 'afternoon' or an adverb meaning 'late.' They are related, as both refer to slowness or delay.
How do I use 'tarda' to ask how long something takes?
Use the structure: '¿Cuánto tiempo tarda [el sujeto] en [la acción]?' (How much time does [the subject] take to [the action]?). For example: '¿Cuánto tiempo tarda el avión en aterrizar?'