tarda
“tarda” means “takes time” in Spanish (as in 'it takes time' (él/ella/usted present tense)).
takes time, delays
Also: 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
preterite
present
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
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✏️ 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?'