Meaning
To use time ineffectively or without purpose.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'perder el tiempo' is slightly more common than 'desperdiciar' in casual speech. Mexicans often use 'desperdiciar' to talk about resources in general, not just time. Argentines might use 'gastar' (to spend) in a negative way to mean waste. In Colombia, you might hear 'botar el tiempo' (to throw away time) as a very informal variant.
Use it with 'en'
Always use 'en' to specify the activity you are wasting time on.
Meaning
To use time ineffectively or without purpose.
Use it with 'en'
Always use 'en' to specify the activity you are wasting time on.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
No ____ el tiempo en cosas que no importan.
Imperative form for 'tú'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesNo ____ el tiempo en cosas que no importan.
Imperative form for 'tú'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsIt is neutral and works in all settings.
Related Phrases
Perder el tiempo
synonymTo lose time
Malgastar el tiempo
synonymTo squander time
