Inklingo

How to Say "takes time" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tarda

/TAR-dah//ˈtaɾða/

VerbA1General
Use 'tarda' when asking about or stating the duration of an event, journey, or process, often in the context of a third-person subject like 'it' or a specific noun.
A simple, colorful storybook illustration showing a tiny green seedling with two small leaves slowly pushing its way up through dark, rich soil, symbolizing a process that takes time.

Examples

¿Cuánto tiempo tarda el tren de Madrid a Barcelona?

How long does the train from Madrid to Barcelona take?

Ella siempre tarda en responder mis mensajes.

She always takes a long time to answer my messages.

Si no apuras, el proyecto tarda una semana más.

If you don't hurry, the project will take one more week.

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?)

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'.)

demora

/de-MOH-rah//deˈmoɾa/

VerbB1General
Use 'demora' when referring to a person spending an extended amount of time doing something, implying a delay or taking longer than expected.
A large turtle slowly crossing a path in front of a person on a bicycle, forcing the cyclist to stop.

Examples

Ella siempre se demora mucho en arreglarse.

She always takes a long time to get ready.

El tráfico demora la entrega de los paquetes.

Traffic delays the delivery of the packages.

Using it with 'se'

When you want to say a person is taking a long time, use the 'se' form: 'se demora'. For example: 'Él se demora' means 'He is taking a while'.

Forget the 'se'

Mistake: “Yo demoro mucho.”

Correction: Say 'Me demoro mucho' if you mean you are taking a long time yourself. Use 'demoro' alone only if you are delaying something else.

Person vs. Process Duration

Learners often confuse 'tarda' and 'demora' by using the verb for a person's action ('demora') when they mean the general duration of something ('tarda'). Remember 'tarda' is typically for events or processes, while 'demora' focuses on a person taking extra time.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.