Signification
Time once passed cannot be regained, emphasizing its value.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, this proverb is often linked to the concept of 'aprovechar el tiempo' (making the most of time), which is a value taught early in schools. Mexicans often use this proverb in a more fatalistic or philosophical way, reflecting on the passage of life during family gatherings. In Argentina, you might hear this in a professional context, emphasizing the need for efficiency in a competitive economy. Commonly used by parents to motivate children to focus on their education rather than 'vaguear' (loitering).
Use it in Essays
This is a fantastic 'filler' phrase for B1/B2 writing exams when discussing work, education, or technology. It shows you know Spanish culture.
Don't Overuse
Because it's a proverb, using it too often can make you sound like a 'cliché' machine. Save it for moments of emphasis.
Signification
Time once passed cannot be regained, emphasizing its value.
Use it in Essays
This is a fantastic 'filler' phrase for B1/B2 writing exams when discussing work, education, or technology. It shows you know Spanish culture.
Don't Overuse
Because it's a proverb, using it too often can make you sound like a 'cliché' machine. Save it for moments of emphasis.
The 'Se' Passive
Pay attention to the 'se' in 'se recupera.' It's what makes the phrase sound like an ancient truth rather than a personal opinion.
Teste-toi
Completa el proverbio con la palabra correcta.
El tiempo _______ nunca se recupera.
The canonical form of the proverb uses 'perdido.'
¿Cuál es el significado de este proverbio?
El tiempo perdido nunca se recupera.
The proverb emphasizes the irreversibility of time.
Elige la mejor respuesta para completar el diálogo.
Juan: 'No sé si estudiar este fin de semana o ir a la fiesta.' María: 'Estudia, Juan. Recuerda que...'
This proverb is the most appropriate for encouraging someone not to waste time on a distraction.
Empareja la situación con el proverbio.
Un hombre se arrepiente de no haber pasado más tiempo con sus hijos cuando eran pequeños.
The situation describes regret over lost time, which fits the proverb perfectly.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEl tiempo _______ nunca se recupera.
The canonical form of the proverb uses 'perdido.'
El tiempo perdido nunca se recupera.
The proverb emphasizes the irreversibility of time.
Juan: 'No sé si estudiar este fin de semana o ir a la fiesta.' María: 'Estudia, Juan. Recuerda que...'
This proverb is the most appropriate for encouraging someone not to waste time on a distraction.
Un hombre se arrepiente de no haber pasado más tiempo con sus hijos cuando eran pequeños.
The situation describes regret over lost time, which fits the proverb perfectly.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNot at all! While it's a proverb, friends use it to give each other advice all the time, especially regarding dating or career choices.
Yes, removing 'nunca' and using 'no' is common and slightly less dramatic, but the meaning remains the same.
'Recuperar' is more common in modern Spanish for getting back time or health. 'Recobrar' is often used for physical objects or consciousness.
Spanish uses definite articles for abstract concepts used as subjects. 'Time' in general is 'el tiempo.'
Sometimes people just say 'El tiempo vuela' (Time flies) to imply the same urgency.
Expressions liées
El tiempo es oro
similarTime is gold/precious.
No dejes para mañana lo que puedas hacer hoy
builds onDon't leave for tomorrow what you can do today.
Más vale tarde que nunca
contrastBetter late than never.
Aprovecha el momento
similarSeize the moment (Carpe Diem).
