întârzie

**întârzie** is a Romanian term that translates to "delay" or "being late" in English. The word is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe situations where an event, action, or individual arrives or occurs after the expected or scheduled time.

In Romanian grammar, *întârzie* is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb *a întârzia*, which means "to delay" or "to be late." The verb can be conjugated in various tenses and moods to reflect different time frames and contexts. For example, *întârzieam* means "I was delaying," while *a întârzia* in the imperative form (*întârzie!*) translates to "delay!" or "be on time!"

The concept of being late is culturally significant in Romania, as punctuality is often valued but not always strictly enforced in social settings. In professional or formal contexts, however, arriving on time is generally expected. Delays can occur due to various reasons, such as traffic, unexpected events, or personal circumstances.

The term *întârzie* can also be used metaphorically to describe delays in processes, projects, or even abstract concepts like progress or decision-making. In literature and media, it may symbolize procrastination, missed opportunities, or the passage of time.

While *întârzie* is primarily a verb form, the noun *întârziere* (meaning "delay" or "being late") is also widely used to refer to the act or state of being delayed. Both terms are essential in Romanian language and culture, reflecting common experiences related to time management and expectations.