tarda
“tarda” means “takes time” in Spanish (as in 'it takes time' (él/ella/usted present tense)).
takes time, delaysAlso: is late, Take your time!
📝 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.
Indicative
Preterite
Present
Imperfect
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "tarda" in Spanish:
✏️ 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
👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology
Comes from the Latin word *tardus*, meaning 'slow' or 'late'. This root gave rise to words related to slowness and delay across many Romance languages, including the Spanish word for 'afternoon' (*tarde*), which is the 'late' part of the day.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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?'