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retraso means delay — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 18, 2025

✈️ Travel Spanish

retraso

noun • /[reh-TRAH-soh]/

delay

Example:

El vuelo tiene un retraso de dos horas.

The flight has a two-hour delay.

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🧠 What does retraso mean?

Retraso means 'delay' or 'lateness' in Spanish. It's commonly used in travel contexts to describe situations where something is behind schedule, like a delayed flight, train, or bus. You can also use it more broadly to talk about being late for an appointment or any other kind of hold-up. It carries a sense of something happening later than expected.

📚 Extra examples

  • El vuelo tiene un retraso de dos horas.
    The flight has a two-hour delay.
  • Hay un retraso en el tren debido al mal tiempo.
    There's a delay on the train due to bad weather.
  • Llego con retraso a la reunión.
    I'm arriving late to the meeting.
  • Disculpe mi retraso, el tráfico estaba terrible.
    Excuse my lateness, the traffic was terrible.
  • El proyecto tiene un retraso significativo.
    The project has a significant delay.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'delay' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'delay' in Spanish is 'retraso'.
How do you pronounce 'retraso' in Spanish?
Retraso is pronounced reh-TRA-soh. The stress is on the second syllable.
How do you use 'retraso' in a sentence?
Here are a few examples: 'El tren tiene un retraso.' (The train has a delay.), 'Llego con retraso.' (I'm arriving late.), or 'Hay un retraso en el proyecto.' (There's a delay on the project.).
What is the English translation of 'retraso'?
'Retraso' translates to 'delay' or 'lateness' in English.
Does 'retraso' change for gender or number?
No, 'retraso' is a masculine noun, but its form doesn't change for singular or plural. You'd say 'un retraso' (one delay) or 'muchos retrasos' (many delays).
Is 'retraso' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'retraso' is a fairly common word, especially in the context of travel and schedules.
Does 'retraso' have slang or double meanings?
Not really. 'Retraso' has a pretty straightforward meaning and isn't typically used in slang.
Is 'retraso' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the meaning and usage of 'retraso' are generally the same across Spain and Latin America.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "retraso"

Synonyms: demora, tardanza
Opposites: puntualidad

💡 Did You Know?

While 'retraso' usually refers to a delay in time, it can also be used figuratively, like 'un retraso mental' (a mental delay or disability). However, be sensitive as this usage might be considered outdated or offensive in some contexts.

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