Signification
To use time unproductively or unnecessarily.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, the phrase is often used with 'tonterías' (nonsense). People are very direct about telling others they are wasting time. In Mexico, 'perder el tiempo' is common, but you might also hear 'hacerse pato' (to act like a duck) as a slang way to say someone is avoiding work. Argentines might use 'estar al cuete' to describe being idle, but 'perder el tiempo' remains the standard for negative waste.
Use the Gerund
To sound like a native, always follow the phrase with a gerund (verb + -ando/iendo) to say HOW you are wasting time.
Don't say 'Gastar'
Never use 'gastar' for time. It is the #1 mistake English speakers make.
Signification
To use time unproductively or unnecessarily.
Use the Gerund
To sound like a native, always follow the phrase with a gerund (verb + -ando/iendo) to say HOW you are wasting time.
Don't say 'Gastar'
Never use 'gastar' for time. It is the #1 mistake English speakers make.
Teste-toi
Conjugate the verb 'perder' correctly in the present tense.
Yo siempre _______ el tiempo con los videojuegos.
The 'yo' form of 'perder' has an e-ie stem change: pierdo.
Which sentence is correct?
Select the natural Spanish expression.
'Perder el tiempo' is the standard idiom.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are in a meeting that has no purpose.
If the meeting has no purpose, you are wasting (perdiendo) time.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Quieres ver esta película? B: No, es muy mala. No quiero _______.
You don't want to waste time on a bad movie.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYo siempre _______ el tiempo con los videojuegos.
The 'yo' form of 'perder' has an e-ie stem change: pierdo.
Select the natural Spanish expression.
'Perder el tiempo' is the standard idiom.
You are in a meeting that has no purpose.
If the meeting has no purpose, you are wasting (perdiendo) time.
A: ¿Quieres ver esta película? B: No, es muy mala. No quiero _______.
You don't want to waste time on a bad movie.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt can be. If you tell someone 'Estás perdiendo el tiempo', you are criticizing them. Use it carefully.
Yes, adding 'mi' (my) makes it more personal and emphatic, often used when you are angry.
The opposite is 'aprovechar el tiempo' (to make good use of time).
Absolutely. It's a common way to discuss efficiency and ROI in a professional context.
Expressions liées
Malgastar
synonymTo squander or waste (often money or resources).
Aprovechar el tiempo
contrastTo make the most of time.
Pasar el tiempo
similarTo pass the time.
Matar el tiempo
similarTo kill time.
