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A2 verb 9 دقيقة للقراءة

atrasar-se

أمثلة atrasar-se في 30 ثانية
الشرح atrasar-se in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic use of 'atrasar-se' to say you are late. You will primarily use the first-person singular 'eu me atraso' (I am late - habit) or 'eu me atrasei' (I was late - specific instance). It is important to learn that in Portuguese, we don't say 'I am late' using the verb 'to be' (ser/estar) plus a word for late as often as we use this reflexive verb. You should also learn the basic question 'Você está atrasado?' (Are you late?) which uses the adjective form. At this stage, just remember to put the little word 'me' before 'atrasei' if you are in Brazil, or 'atrasei-me' if you are in Portugal. Focus on simple sentences like 'Desculpe, me atrasei' (Sorry, I was late). This is a survival phrase for any traveler or beginner student. You don't need to worry about complex tenses yet, just the present and simple past.
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At the A2 level, you expand your use of 'atrasar-se' to talk about other people and things, like buses, trains, or friends. You should be able to conjugate the verb for 'ele/ela' (he/she) and 'nós' (we). For example, 'O ônibus se atrasou' (The bus was late). You will also start using the verb with prepositions, such as 'atrasar-se para' (to be late for). You should understand that 'atrasar-se' is a reflexive verb and start practicing the different pronouns (me, te, se, nos, se). You might also use it in the future with 'ir', like 'Vou me atrasar' (I'm going to be late). This level requires you to understand the difference between 'atrasar' (to delay something) and 'atrasar-se' (to be late yourself). You should be able to give a simple reason for being late, like 'Me atrasei por causa do trânsito' (I was late because of traffic).
By B1, you should be comfortable using 'atrasar-se' in more complex sentence structures, including the imperfect past and basic subjunctive. You use 'atrasava-se' to describe habitual lateness in the past, like 'Quando eu era criança, meu pai sempre se atrasava para me buscar' (When I was a child, my father was always late to pick me up). You will also begin to use the subjunctive mood to express hopes or fears about being late: 'Espero que o trem não se atrase' (I hope the train isn't late). At this level, you should also distinguish between 'atrasar-se' and 'demorar'. 'Demorar' is about the duration of time an action takes, while 'atrasar-se' is about missing a specific point in time. You can now use the verb to discuss professional deadlines and more abstract delays in life or projects.
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At the B2 level, you should use 'atrasar-se' with nuance, incorporating it into conditional sentences and using it to discuss more formal topics. You might say, 'Se não tivéssemos saído cedo, ter-nos-íamos atrasado' (If we hadn't left early, we would have been late). You should be very aware of the placement of reflexive pronouns in different regions and registers. You can use the verb to talk about systemic delays, such as economic growth slowing down or the 'atraso' (noun form) of a developing nation. You are expected to use the verb correctly in business correspondence, perhaps using the future subjunctive: 'Caso o fornecedor se atrase, teremos que mudar o cronograma' (In case the supplier is late, we will have to change the schedule). You also start to recognize the verb in literary or journalistic texts.
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At the C1 level, your use of 'atrasar-se' is sophisticated and natural. You can use it metaphorically and understand its use in complex legal or technical documents. You might discuss the 'atraso' of a culture or a scientific field using the verb to describe a lack of progress. You are comfortable with mesoclisis (atrasar-me-ei) even if you don't use it in speech, and you can navigate the most complex reflexive structures with ease. You can use the verb in the infinitive personal form: 'O fato de eles se atrasarem prejudicou a todos' (The fact that they were late harmed everyone). You also understand the subtle difference between 'atrasar-se' and 'retardar-se', using the latter for more formal or biological contexts. Your apologies for being late are now nuanced and culturally appropriate, using the verb to explain complex circumstances.
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At the C2 level, you have complete mastery of 'atrasar-se' in all its forms, tenses, and registers. You can appreciate the use of the verb in classical Portuguese literature and understand how its usage has evolved over centuries. You can use it to express philosophical concepts of time, such as 'o tempo se atrasa' in a poetic sense. You can switch effortlessly between Brazilian and European pronoun placements depending on your audience. You understand the etymological roots and how they relate to other Romance languages. In a professional or academic setting, you can use the verb to argue about project management methodologies or historical delays. There are no tenses or moods—including the most obscure ones—where you would make a mistake with this reflexive verb. You can even use it in wordplay or complex puns involving the noun 'atraso'.
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أمثلة

atrasar-se في 30 ثانية

  • Atrasar-se is a reflexive verb meaning 'to be late' in Portuguese.
  • It requires reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, se) to function correctly.
  • Pronoun placement varies between Brazil (before verb) and Portugal (after verb).
  • It can describe people, transport, projects, or even slow-running clocks.

The Portuguese verb atrasar-se is a reflexive verb that translates to 'to be late' or 'to delay oneself' in English. Unlike English, where 'to be late' uses the verb 'to be' plus an adjective, Portuguese often utilizes this pronominal form to describe the action of falling behind schedule. This verb is essential for daily navigation in any Portuguese-speaking country, as it covers everything from a bus running behind to a friend arriving late for coffee.

Core Concept
The reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos, se) is mandatory when the subject is the one being late. For example, 'Eu me atrasei' means 'I was late'. Without the pronoun, 'atrasar' means to delay something else, like a clock or a project.

Desculpe, eu atrasei-me por causa do trânsito intenso na avenida principal.

In Brazil, you will more commonly hear the pronoun before the verb (me atrasei), whereas in Portugal, it is traditionally placed after the verb (atrasei-me). Understanding this distinction is key to sounding natural in different regions. The verb is used in both formal and informal contexts, though the level of apology accompanying it changes depending on the situation.

Temporal Nuance
The verb implies a deviation from a fixed time. If there was no scheduled time, you wouldn't typically use 'atrasar-se'. You might use 'demorar' (to take a long time) instead.

O comboio atrasou-se dez minutos hoje de manhã.

When discussing machines or processes, 'atrasar-se' can also mean 'to run slow'. A watch that is losing time 'se atrasa'. This highlights the versatility of the verb beyond human behavior. In academic settings, a student might 'atrasar-se' with an assignment, meaning they are submitting it after the deadline.

Não quero atrasar-se para a reunião de condomínio; eles começam pontualmente.

Usage in Media
News reports frequently use 'atrasar-se' when discussing public transport delays or government project timelines, often in the third person singular or plural.

As obras na ponte atrasaram-se devido às chuvas constantes.

Se você se atrasar mais uma vez, perderá o bônus de assiduidade.

Using atrasar-se correctly requires a firm grasp of reflexive pronoun placement, which varies significantly between European Portuguese (EP) and Brazilian Portuguese (BP). In EP, the pronoun usually follows the verb (enclisis), whereas in BP, it often precedes it (proclisis), especially in spoken language. This section will guide you through the syntactic structures across various tenses.

Present Tense
Used for habits or current states. 'Eu sempre me atraso' (I am always late). Note how 'sempre' (an adverb) pulls the pronoun forward even in European Portuguese.

Eles se atrasam todos os dias para a aula de ginástica.

When using the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), the verb describes a specific instance of being late. This is perhaps the most common way you will use the word—to apologize for a recent lateness. 'Eu me atrasei dez minutos' (I was ten minutes late).

Nós nos atrasamos porque não conseguimos encontrar as chaves do carro.

Future and Conditional
Used for predictions or hypothetical situations. 'Se eu sair agora, não vou me atrasar' (If I leave now, I won't be late).

Você acha que o voo vai se atrasar por causa da tempestade?

In formal European Portuguese, you might encounter mesoclisis in the future tense: 'Atrasar-me-ei' (I will be late). However, this is extremely rare in spoken language and is mostly found in literature or very formal speeches. In daily life, 'vou me atrasar' or 'vou atrasar-me' is the standard.

Caso você se atrase, por favor, envie uma mensagem avisando.

Subjunctive Mood
Crucial for expressing doubt, wishes, or conditions. 'Espero que ele não se atrase' (I hope he isn't late).

É provável que a encomenda se atrase alguns dias devido à greve dos correios.

Se nós nos atrasássemos, perderíamos o início do filme.

The environment in which you hear atrasar-se dictates the tone and urgency of the message. From the echoing announcements of a Lisbon train station to the frantic phone calls in São Paulo traffic, this verb is the pulse of time management in the Lusophone world.

Public Transportation
This is perhaps the most common 'objective' use of the verb. You will see it on digital displays and hear it over loudspeakers.

'Informamos que o comboio regional com destino a Faro se atrasará aproximadamente 15 minutos.'

In social circles, the verb is used to manage expectations. Brazilians might use it more casually, often paired with 'um pouquinho' (a little bit) to soften the blow of being late. In Portugal, it's often used with a more direct apology.

'Cara, vou me atrasar um pouco, o trânsito está travado na Marginal.'

Academic and Work Life
Teachers and bosses use it to set boundaries or inquire about missing work. 'Por que você se atrasou para a entrega do relatório?'

O professor avisou que se alguém se atrasar mais de dez minutos, não poderá entrar na sala.

You will also hear it in the context of biological or natural cycles, though less frequently. For example, a rainy season might 'se atrasar'. This metaphorical use extends the concept of a schedule to nature itself.

Este ano, o inverno atrasou-se e as flores começaram a brotar mais cedo.

Service Industry
Waiters or customer service agents use it to manage client expectations during peak hours.

'Pedimos desculpas, mas os pedidos podem se atrasar devido ao grande movimento na cozinha.'

Se a entrega se atrasar, você tem direito a um cupom de desconto.

Even for intermediate learners, atrasar-se presents several pitfalls. The most common errors involve pronoun omission, confusion with similar verbs, and literal translations from English that don't quite fit the Portuguese mold.

The Missing Reflexive Pronoun
Saying 'Eu atrasei' instead of 'Eu me atrasei'. While 'Eu atrasei' is often used in very casual Brazilian speech, it is technically incomplete. 'Atrasar' (without 'se') means to delay something else.

Incorrect: Eu atrasei para o trabalho.

Correct: Eu me atrasei para o trabalho.

Another frequent error is using 'estar tarde' to mean 'to be late'. In English, we say 'I am late'. In Portuguese, 'está tarde' refers to the time of day (it is late in the evening/night). To say a person is late, you must use 'estar atrasado' (adjective) or 'atrasar-se' (verb).

Incorrect: Eu estou tarde para a festa.

Correct: Eu estou atrasado para a festa.

Preposition Errors
Learners often struggle with which preposition follows the verb. The correct preposition is usually 'para' (for an event) or 'com' (with a task/payment).

Incorrect: Me atrasei em a reunião.

Correct: Me atrasei para a reunião.

Misplacing the reflexive pronoun in negative sentences is a classic mistake. Negative words like 'não', 'nunca', and 'jamais' act as magnets that pull the pronoun to the front of the verb, even in European Portuguese.

Incorrect (EP): Não atrasei-me.

Correct (EP/BP): Não me atrasei.

Reflexive vs. Passive
Sometimes learners use 'ser atrasado' thinking it's a passive form. In Portuguese, we use 'estar atrasado' for the state and 'atrasar-se' for the action.

Incorrect: O voo foi atrasado (unless someone specifically delayed it manually).

Correct: O voo se atrasou.

Não te atrasas sempre que temos um encontro importante?

While atrasar-se is the go-to verb for being late, Portuguese offers a rich variety of synonyms and related terms that can add precision or flavor to your speech. Understanding the nuances between these alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Demorar-se vs. Atrasar-se
'Demorar-se' implies lingering or staying somewhere longer than intended. 'Atrasar-se' focuses on the failure to meet a specific deadline or time. You might 'demorar-se' at a museum and consequently 'atrasar-se' for dinner.

Ela demorou-se na despedida e acabou por atrasar-se para o comboio.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter the verb 'tardar'. It is less common in daily conversation but very frequent in proverbs and formal writing. 'Não tardará' means 'it won't be long' or 'it won't delay'.

A justiça pode tardar, mas não falha. (Justice may be slow, but it does not fail.)

Retardar vs. Atrasar
'Retardar' is more technical and often used for processes, growth, or biological effects. You wouldn't usually say 'Eu me retardei para o jantar'.

O medicamento serve para retardar o avanço da doença.

For a more idiomatic way to express being late, especially in Brazil, you can use the expression 'ficar para trás' (to fall behind). This is often used in competitions or in school progress.

Se você não estudar, vai ficar para trás na turma.

Summary of Alternatives
1. Estar atrasado: To be in a state of lateness. 2. Demorar: To take time. 3. Prorrogar: To extend a deadline (active). 4. Postergar: To postpone.

Não podemos postergar mais esta decisão, senão o projeto vai se atrasar.

O pagamento das faturas atrasou-se devido a um erro no sistema bancário.

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1

Eu me atraso muito.

I am late a lot.

Present tense, reflexive.

2

Desculpe, eu me atrasei.

Sorry, I was late.

Past tense (Pretérito Perfeito).

3

Você se atrasou hoje?

Were you late today?

Question form, second person.

4

O ônibus se atrasou.

The bus was late.

Third person singular.

5

Não me atrasei.

I wasn't late.

Negative sentence, pronoun moves to front.

6

Nós nos atrasamos para o café.

We were late for coffee.

First person plural reflexive.

7

Ela se atrasa sempre.

She is always late.

Use of 'sempre' with present tense.

8

Vou me atrasar cinco minutos.

I'm going to be late five minutes.

Future with 'ir'.

1

O trem se atrasou por causa da chuva.

The train was late because of the rain.

Causal phrase 'por causa de'.

2

Eles se atrasam para a aula de música.

They are late for music class.

Preposition 'para' indicating destination/event.

3

Por que você se atrasou tanto?

Why were you so late?

Interrogative with 'tanto' for emphasis.

4

Meu relógio se atrasou dez minutos.

My watch is ten minutes slow.

Verb used for mechanical devices.

5

Nós não queremos nos atrasar.

We don't want to be late.

Reflexive pronoun with infinitive.

6

Se você se atrasar, perca o filme.

If you are late, you miss the movie.

Simple conditional 'se' + present.

7

O médico se atrasou com o paciente anterior.

The doctor was late with the previous patient.

Preposition 'com' for circumstances.

8

A encomenda se atrasou no correio.

The package was delayed at the post office.

Subject is an object.

1

Antigamente, eu me atrasava menos.

In the past, I used to be late less.

Imperfect tense for past habits.

2

Espero que o voo não se atrase.

I hope the flight isn't late.

Present subjunctive after 'espero que'.

3

Se eu me atrasasse, ela ficaria brava.

If I were late, she would be angry.

Imperfect subjunctive + conditional.

4

O projeto se atrasou devido a problemas técnicos.

The project was delayed due to technical problems.

Formal cause 'devido a'.

5

Ela se atrasou de propósito para chamar atenção.

She was late on purpose to get attention.

Idiom 'de propósito'.

6

Nós nos atrasamos, apesar de termos saído cedo.

We were late, despite having left early.

Concessive clause 'apesar de'.

7

É comum que os alunos se atrasem na segunda-feira.

It is common for students to be late on Monday.

Subjunctive after impersonal expression.

8

Você já se atrasou para uma entrevista de emprego?

Have you ever been late for a job interview?

Present perfect context.

1

O governo se atrasou na entrega das novas moradias.

The government was late in delivering the new housing.

Formal institutional subject.

2

Caso o palestrante se atrase, iniciaremos o debate.

In case the speaker is late, we will start the debate.

Future subjunctive with 'caso'.

3

Atrasar-se habitualmente é sinal de desorganização.

Being habitually late is a sign of disorganization.

Infinitive used as a noun.

4

O pagamento da dívida se atrasou por meses.

The debt payment was delayed for months.

Passive-reflexive meaning.

5

Não se atrase, sob pena de perder a vaga.

Do not be late, under penalty of losing the spot.

Imperative negative.

6

A produção se atrasou em virtude da falta de matéria-prima.

Production was delayed by virtue of the lack of raw materials.

Formal prepositional phrase 'em virtude de'.

7

Embora se atrasassem, conseguiram ver o final da peça.

Although they were late, they managed to see the end of the play.

Conjunction 'embora' with subjunctive.

8

Atrasar-se-ia se não houvesse GPS.

One would be late if there were no GPS.

Mesoclisis (very formal EP).

1

O desenvolvimento do país se atrasou por décadas de má gestão.

The country's development was delayed by decades of mismanagement.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

2

É imperativo que ninguém se atrase para o juramento.

It is imperative that no one be late for the oath.

High formal register.

3

O fato de a justiça se atrasar gera um sentimento de impunidade.

The fact that justice is delayed creates a feeling of impunity.

Complex nominal clause.

4

Atrasar-se no cumprimento de prazos pode rescindir o contrato.

Delaying the fulfillment of deadlines can terminate the contract.

Legal/Business context.

5

A primavera parece ter-se atrasado este ano.

Spring seems to have been delayed this year.

Compound infinitive reflexive (EP style).

6

Quem quer que se atrase será sumariamente excluído.

Whoever is late will be summarily excluded.

Indefinite relative clause.

7

Atrasando-se o início, toda a programação fica comprometida.

If the start is delayed, the whole schedule is compromised.

Gerund expressing condition.

8

A empresa se atrasou na resposta ao escândalo.

The company was late in responding to the scandal.

Corporate communication context.

1

A história, por vezes, parece se atrasar em ciclos repetitivos.

History, at times, seems to delay itself in repetitive cycles.

Philosophical/Literary register.

2

Não permitirei que te atrases no caminho da virtude.

I will not allow you to delay on the path of virtue.

Archaic/Literary second person.

3

Atrasar-se-ão os ponteiros do destino se assim o quisermos?

Will the hands of destiny be delayed if we so wish?

Poetic mesoclisis.

4

A burocracia estatal fez com que o progresso se atrasasse irremediavelmente.

State bureaucracy caused progress to be delayed irremediably.

Complex causative structure.

5

O autor se atrasou na conclusão da obra por crises existenciais.

The author delayed the completion of the work due to existential crises.

Nuanced biographical context.

6

Atrasar-se-ia o sol se a terra parasse de girar?

Would the sun be late if the earth stopped spinning?

Hypothetical conditional with mesoclisis.

7

A evolução biológica não se atrasa, ela apenas segue seu próprio ritmo.

Biological evolution is not delayed; it merely follows its own rhythm.

Scientific/Philosophical assertion.

8

Atrasar-se-ia qualquer um diante de tamanha beleza.

Anyone would linger/be late before such beauty.

Reflexive used to mean 'linger'.

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