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"How long" is a phrase which is often translated as "cuánto", and "delay" is a noun which is often translated as "el retraso". Learn more about the difference between "how long" and "delay" below.
how long(
hau
lang
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. cuánto
Do you know how long we have to wait for the movie to begin?¿Sabes cuánto tenemos que esperar para que comience la película?
b. cuánto tiempo
How long is the movie?¿Cuánto tiempo dura la película?
I don't care how long you have to wait!¡No me importa cuánto tiempo tengas que esperar!
a. cuánto mide
How long is your surfboard?¿Cuánto mide tu tabla de surf?
You need to check how long the table is before you buy a tablecloth.Tienes que comprobar cuánto mide la mesa antes de comprar un mantel.
delay(
duh
-
ley
)A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
1. (deferral)
a. el retraso (M)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
The delay in payment will result in a violation of the contract.El retraso en el pago supondrá la infracción del contrato.
b. la demora (F) (Latin America)
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
His delay is not normal. Have you tried to reach him by phone?Su demora no es normal. ¿Habéis intentado localizarlo por teléfono?
c. la dilación (F)
(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
They acknowledged receipt of my proposal without delay.Me confirmaron la recepción de mi propuesta sin dilación.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. retrasar
I think we'll need to delay a decision on the proposal.Creo que tendremos que retrasar la decisión sobre la propuesta.
b. demorar (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
We may need to delay payment until next year.Puede que tengamos que demorar el pago hasta el año que viene.
c. aplazar
The teacher decided to delay the exam until the following week.El profesor decidió aplazar el examen para la siguiente semana.
b. entretener
Don't let me delay you. I know you're busy.No debo entretenerte, ya sé que estás ocupado.
c. demorar (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
We were delayed by over two hours because of a road accident.Un accidente de tráfico nos demoró más de dos horas.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
