Retardasteis

Retardasteis is the second-person plural preterite (vosotros) form of the Spanish verb retardar, meaning you all delayed or held up something. It denotes a completed action in the past carried out by a group. The verb comes from late Latin tardare, related to tardus, slow, and its use emphasizes causing a delay rather than simply taking longer.

Usage and regional note: Retardar is common in Spain and is used with vosotros in everyday speech, especially in narratives or reports describing past events. In most Latin American varieties, the equivalent expression is ustedes retrasaron or ustedes demoraron, which use the verb retrasar instead of retardar. While both forms convey delay, retardar can carry a slightly more formal or technical tone in some contexts.

Nuance and alternatives: Retardo (delay) and demorar (to delay, to take time) are related terms. Retardar often focuses on hindering progress or causing an obstacle, whereas tardar centers on the amount of time needed. The choice between retardar and retrasar can depend on regional preference and the desired nuance.

Examples:

- Vosotros retardasteis la entrega, por lo que el cliente se quejó. (You all delayed the delivery, so the client complained.)

- Si la oficina no acelera, retardaréis el proceso y habrá más retrasos. (If the office does not speed up, you all will delay the process further.)

- En aquel proyecto, las demoras fueron causadas por la burocracia, lo que retardó los plazos. (In that project, the delays were caused by bureaucracy, which slowed the deadlines.)

Retardasteis is chiefly a Spain-focused vosotros form; not commonly used in Latin America.