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"Durar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to last", and "tardar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to take". Learn more about the difference between "durar" and "tardar" below.
durar(
doo
-
rahr
)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to last
La crisis económica no puede durar para siempre.The economic crisis cannot last forever.
b. to be long
La película dura dos horas aproximadamente.The film is approximately two hours long.
a. to last
Un bolso de buena calidad te puede durar años.A good quality bag can last you for years.
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tardar(
tahr
-
dahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to take
No puedo creer que tardaste dos horas en llegar.I can't believe it took you two hours to get here.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to take too long
Si tardas, vamos a perder el tren.If you take too long, we'll miss the train.
a. to be long
¿Puedo ir a la tienda, mamá? - Sí, pero no tardes.Can I go to the store, Mom? - Yes, but don't be long.
tardarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
4. (to take too much time)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. to be long
No me tardo; solo voy a comprar leche.I won't be long; I'm just going to buy milk.
b. to take a long time
¡Cómo te tardas! ¡Apúrate ya!You're taking such a long time! Hurry up already!
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