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"Demora" 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 "demora" and "retraso" below.
la demora(
deh
-
moh
-
rah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (hold-up)
a. delay
Perdón por la demora; se me olvidaron las llaves y tuve que regresar por ellas.I'm sorry for the delay; I forgot my keys and had to go back for them.
La demora del vuelo se debe al huracán que está pasando por la costa.The flight delay is due to the hurricane passing through the coast.
2. (nautical)
a. bearing
Es esencial que se tomen demoras precisas al navegar un barco pequeño.It is critical that you take accurate bearings when navigating a small boat.
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.
