Atrasar(se) vs retrasar(se)

Question

I have read the dictionary translations and examples in context over and over and am none the wiser. I have heard/read both these words used in Spanish to mean what I would describe most broadly as "delayed". Apart from a few specific applications where it seems that one or the other is preferred, these words seem interchangeable to me.

I feel I must be missing something. Can someone explain the difference please?

Answer 1

I think I could explain this to you, but instead I looked up both verbs (I'll give the links). Be aware of the pronomial use of "retrasarse" vs. the transitive verb "retrasar"

Atrasarse is also pronomial and atrasar is transitive. The meanings are so similar that I sometimes make a mistake and choose the wrong one.

If you will will concentrate on the meanings that are different and just learn them, you will be able to choose wisely. Believe me many hispanohablantes will occasionally goof on this one. And that's mainly because these words are synonymous in most cases.

Retrasar/retrasarse

Atrasar/atrasarse

Thanks Daniela, I have read the entries again as per your links and the only one that I can see that appears in one and not the other is for atrasarse in reference to periods, The rest seem identical. - ErikainAndalusia, Dec 3, 2016

I haven't checked the RAE but I will though I fear the differences may be so esoteric I will struggle to understand the definitions in Spanish. I think I'll just assume synonymity until I get to recognize which to use in which context. - ErikainAndalusia, Dec 3, 2016

Thank you again for your prompt reply as always. I did read it earlier but can't log on when I'm on mobile so couldn't respond at the time. ;-). - ErikainAndalusia, Dec 3, 2016