뜻
It is better to do something late than not to do it at all.
문화적 배경
In Spain, punctuality can be more relaxed in social settings. Arriving 15-30 minutes late to a party is common, and this phrase is often used as a lighthearted greeting upon arrival. In Mexico, 'la hora mexicana' refers to a flexible approach to time. This proverb is a staple for navigating social delays without causing offense. Argentines often use 'Mejor tarde que nunca' as a variation. It is frequently used when discussing political or social reforms that took a long time to implement. While punctuality is increasingly valued in global business, this phrase is still used in emails to acknowledge a slight delay in sending a file or response, showing a human touch.
Use it as a joke
If you are only 5 minutes late, using this phrase makes you sound charming and self-aware.
Don't use with angry bosses
If your boss is genuinely upset about a deadline, this phrase might sound like you aren't taking the problem seriously.
뜻
It is better to do something late than not to do it at all.
Use it as a joke
If you are only 5 minutes late, using this phrase makes you sound charming and self-aware.
Don't use with angry bosses
If your boss is genuinely upset about a deadline, this phrase might sound like you aren't taking the problem seriously.
The 'Mejor' variation
In Mexico, 'Mejor tarde que nunca' is very common. Both are correct, but 'Más vale' is the classic version.
Social lubricant
This is one of the best phrases to learn for social survival in Spanish-speaking countries.
셀프 테스트
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
Más ____ tarde que nunca.
The verb 'valer' (to be worth) is the standard verb used in this proverb.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'Más vale tarde que nunca'?
Situation: You forgot your friend's birthday and you call them three days later.
Option B uses the proverb correctly to apologize for a late birthday wish.
Complete the dialogue.
Ana: 'Aquí tienes el libro que me prestaste el año pasado.' Luis: '¡Vaya! ________.'
Luis is acknowledging that the book was returned very late, but it's better than not getting it back.
Match the phrase to the context.
Context: A 70-year-old woman graduates from university.
The proverb is perfect for celebrating achievements that happen later in life.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Late vs. Never
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Más ____ tarde que nunca.
The verb 'valer' (to be worth) is the standard verb used in this proverb.
Situation: You forgot your friend's birthday and you call them three days later.
Option B uses the proverb correctly to apologize for a late birthday wish.
Ana: 'Aquí tienes el libro que me prestaste el año pasado.' Luis: '¡Vaya! ________.'
Luis is acknowledging that the book was returned very late, but it's better than not getting it back.
Context: A 70-year-old woman graduates from university.
The proverb is perfect for celebrating achievements that happen later in life.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Es una frase neutra. Se puede usar con amigos, familia y a veces en el trabajo.
Sí, es una variación muy común y totalmente correcta.
Viene del verbo 'valer' (to be worth). Significa que llegar tarde tiene más valor que no llegar.
Sí, es universal en todo el mundo hispanohablante.
Es un proverbio (refrán) porque contiene una enseñanza o verdad general.
Sí, es muy común usarla en eventos sociales.
Se traduce exactamente como 'Better late than never'.
No, generalmente se ve como una forma amable de admitir un error.
No es común. La forma fija es con 'nunca'.
Viene del latín 'Potius sero quam nunquam'.
관련 표현
Nunca es tarde si la dicha es buena
similarIt's never late if the outcome is good.
Tarde o temprano
relatedSooner or later.
A quien madruga, Dios le ayuda
contrastThe early bird catches the worm.
Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando
builds onA bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
