Atrásarse

Atrásarse is a pronominal verb used in various Spanish dialects to denote falling behind in relation to time, progress, or obligations. It conveys a delay or a loss of ground compared with a plan, a schedule, a group, or a goal. The sense can range from a momentary setback to a more sustained lag in performance or pace.

Usage and regional notes: atrasarse is the standard form in most dialects, while atrássarse appears as a regional variant in some areas to express the same idea. It can be used in formal or informal contexts and in references to education, work, transportation, finances, and daily activities. Common constructs include phrases such as atrasarse en una tarea, atrasarse con un pago, or the impersonal se atrasó el tren.

Examples of usage: “Nos atrasamos en el proyecto y tendremos que trabajar horas extra para ponernos al día.” “El tren se atrasó dos horas.” “Estoy atrasado con las facturas.” “La empresa se atrasó en sus pagos.” In each case, the emphasis is on eliding progress or schedule rather than on causing the delay itself.

Conjugation: as a pronominal -arse verb, atrasarse conjugates regularly. Present: me atraso, te atrasas, se atrasa, nos atrasamos, os atrasáis, se atrasan. Preterite: me atrasé, te atrasaste, se atrasó, nos atrasamos, os atrasasteis, se atrasaron. There is overlap with the non-pronominal retrasar in related phrases, but atrasarse specifically highlights the subject’s own delay.

Etymology and relation to related terms: atrasarse derives from atrás, meaning behind, plus the reflexive suffix -arse. It is closely related to retrasarse and demorar, which emphasize delaying actions or processes; atrasarse centers on the experience of falling behind.