Signification
To use time unproductively or without purpose.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, 'perder el tiempo' is often used during the 'sobremesa' (post-meal talk) if someone tries to rush the conversation. Ironically, rushing the leisure time is seen as a waste of the social opportunity. In Mexico, the phrase is frequently used in bureaucratic settings ('trámites'). People often complain about 'perder el tiempo' in long lines at government offices. Argentines might use 'perder el tiempo' when discussing their passion for football or politics, often saying that arguing with someone who doesn't understand is a waste of time.
Don't say 'Gastar'
Remember, 'gastar' is for money. If you say 'gasto tiempo', people will understand, but it sounds like a translation error.
Use with 'hacer'
If someone is annoying you or making you wait, say: 'No me hagas perder el tiempo' (Don't make me waste my time).
Signification
To use time unproductively or without purpose.
Don't say 'Gastar'
Remember, 'gastar' is for money. If you say 'gasto tiempo', people will understand, but it sounds like a translation error.
Use with 'hacer'
If someone is annoying you or making you wait, say: 'No me hagas perder el tiempo' (Don't make me waste my time).
Teste-toi
Conjugate the verb 'perder' correctly.
Yo siempre _______ el tiempo en la mañana.
The first person singular of 'perder' is 'pierdo' due to the e->ie stem change.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural Spanish sentence.
'Perder el tiempo' is the standard collocation.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are late because your friend was talking too much.
Being late due to unproductive talking is 'perder el tiempo'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Quieres ver una película? B: No, tengo que estudiar. No puedo _______.
The context of having to study implies that watching a movie would be an unproductive use of time.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Ways to use Time
Positive
- • Aprovechar
- • Pasar
- • Ganar
Negative
- • Perder
- • Malgastar
- • Desperdiciar
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYo siempre _______ el tiempo en la mañana.
The first person singular of 'perder' is 'pierdo' due to the e->ie stem change.
Choose the most natural Spanish sentence.
'Perder el tiempo' is the standard collocation.
You are late because your friend was talking too much.
Being late due to unproductive talking is 'perder el tiempo'.
A: ¿Quieres ver una película? B: No, tengo que estudiar. No puedo _______.
The context of having to study implies that watching a movie would be an unproductive use of time.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsBoth are used, but 'perder el tiempo' (with the article) is much more common in general speech.
No, you don't 'lose a person' in this sense. You 'pierdes el tiempo CON una persona' (waste time with a person).
It can be blunt. If you tell your boss he is 'perdiendo el tiempo', it is rude. If you say it to a friend, it's normal.
Expressions liées
Pasar el tiempo
contrastTo spend time (neutral).
Aprovechar el tiempo
contrastTo make the most of time.
Matar el tiempo
similarTo kill time.
