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"Atraso" is a noun which is often translated as "delay", and "retraso" is a noun which is also often translated as "delay". Learn more about the difference between "atraso" and "retraso" below.
el atraso(
ah
-
trah
-
soh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (lateness) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. delay
La alumna argumentó que su atraso se debió a un atasco de tráfico.The student argued that her delay was due to a traffic jam.
b. slowness (of a clock)
El atraso del reloj se produjo porque se le murió la batería.The clock's slowness was due to its battery dying.
a. backwardness
Es un atraso que a las mujeres no se les permita conducir en Arabia Saudí.Women not being allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia is backwardness.
los atrasos
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
a. arrears
Tuve que escribir a la empresa para que me pagaran los atrasos que me deben.I had to write to the company so that they would pay me the arrears it owes me.
el retraso(
rreh
-
trah
-
soh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (hold-up)
a. delay
Perdón por el retraso; había mucho tráfico hoy.Sorry for the delay; there was a lot of traffic today.
a. backwardness
Los economistas siguen hablando del retraso económico de este país.Economists continue to talk about the economic backwardness of this country.
b. lag
El país sufre un alarmante retraso tecnológico con respecto a los EE. UU.The country suffers from an alarming lag in technology compared to the U.S.
3. (old-fashioned) (pejorative) (psychology)
A word or phrase that is seldom used in contemporary language and is recognized as being from another decade, (e.g., cat, groovy).
An offensive word or phrase used to degrade a person or group of people based on race, gender, sexual preference, etc. (e.g., redneck).
a. learning disabilities
Los niños con retraso necesitan ayuda y protección.Children with learning disabilities need help and protection.
