Why is hasta used before tarde?
Cuando trabajamos hasta tarde, nos cansamos. When we work late, we get tired.
Lazarus suggested putting hasta before tarde in the sentence above. I'm not sure why. Does it have to do with time, and/or rule of Spanish grammar? Anyone may answer and any links are appreciated. Gracias.
2 Answers
It's a nuance thing and for clarity more than anything. If you work late, it could be because you started late, but if you work until late, we have the understanding that the work schedule has been very long.
the preposition hasta is necessary because it marks the end of a period of time.
La cosecha dura hasta marzo.
Vivió hasta los noventa años.
Jugamos al billar hasta la madrugada.
It can also mark final destination:
Viajamos en bus hasta Ankara.
Hasta can also mark the level reached by something or someone.
Estudió hasta el cuarto año.
Llenó la bañera hasta el borde.
