retrasar

Retrasar is a Spanish verb meaning to delay, postpone, or retard something from occurring at the planned time. It is transitive and can take a direct object (retrasar algo), or be used reflexively as retrasarse to indicate that one is delayed or falling behind. Examples: La lluvia retrasó el vuelo; se retrasó la entrega de la mercancía.

Conjugation: Retrasar is a regular -ar verb. Present: yo retraso, tú retrasas, él retrasa, nosotros retrasamos, vosotros retrasáis, ellos retrasan. Other forms include a regular preterite (retrasé, retrasaste, retrasó, retrasamos, retrasasteis, retrasaron) and an imperfect (retrasaba, retrasabas, retrasaba, retrasábamos, retrasabais, retrasaban). Gerund: retrasando. Past participle: retrasado.

Usage and nuance: "Retrasar" describes causing a plan, event, or process to occur later than scheduled, often due to an obstacle or delay. It can apply to flights, deliveries, projects, or procedures. In many contexts, it is neutral or formal; synonyms include atrasar and demorar, though they carry slightly different nuance. The noun form is "retraso," as in "Hubo un retraso en la entrega."

Etymology and related terms: The verb derives from the verb tardar with the prefix re-, indicating a backward or delayed action. Related verbs include atrasar (to fall behind or make late) and demorar (to take longer). See also: retraso, tardanza, atrasar, demorar.