Meaning
To act in a way that allows for more time later.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'ganar tiempo' is often associated with the 'picaresca' (the art of being a rogue). It's seen as a clever way to navigate bureaucracy. In Mexico, the phrase 'darle largas' is a very common synonym for 'ganar tiempo' in social and business contexts. In football-crazy Argentina, 'ganar tiempo' is a technical term for when a player stays on the ground too long to protect a lead. The concept of 'ahorita' can sometimes be a tool to 'ganar tiempo' without saying 'no'.
The 'Para' Rule
Always follow 'ganar tiempo' with 'para' if you want to explain WHY you are stalling.
Don't say 'Comprar'
Even if you think in English, avoid 'comprar tiempo'. It's a dead giveaway that you're translating literally.
Meaning
To act in a way that allows for more time later.
The 'Para' Rule
Always follow 'ganar tiempo' with 'para' if you want to explain WHY you are stalling.
Don't say 'Comprar'
Even if you think in English, avoid 'comprar tiempo'. It's a dead giveaway that you're translating literally.
The Polite Stall
In Spanish, 'ganar tiempo' is a perfectly polite way to ask for a moment to think in a professional setting.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'ganar tiempo'.
El abogado está hablando mucho porque quiere ________ para su cliente.
The lawyer is stalling for a purpose, which is 'ganar tiempo'.
Which situation describes 'ganar tiempo'?
Select the correct scenario:
This is a strategic delay, which is the definition of 'ganar tiempo'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Por qué no le dices la verdad ahora? B: No puedo, necesito ________ para pensar cómo decírselo.
The speaker needs to delay the truth to prepare, which is 'ganar tiempo'.
Match the phrase to the intent.
Intent: 'I want to delay the project deadline.'
Stalling for a deadline is 'ganar tiempo'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ganar vs. Hacer
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEl abogado está hablando mucho porque quiere ________ para su cliente.
The lawyer is stalling for a purpose, which is 'ganar tiempo'.
Select the correct scenario:
This is a strategic delay, which is the definition of 'ganar tiempo'.
A: ¿Por qué no le dices la verdad ahora? B: No puedo, necesito ________ para pensar cómo decírselo.
The speaker needs to delay the truth to prepare, which is 'ganar tiempo'.
Intent: 'I want to delay the project deadline.'
Stalling for a deadline is 'ganar tiempo'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsDepende del contexto. Es positivo si eres eficiente, pero puede ser visto como negativo si estás engañando a alguien.
No, la expresión fija es 'ganar tiempo'.
'Hacer tiempo' es esperar a que algo empiece. 'Ganar tiempo' es retrasar algo que ya debería estar pasando.
Sí, es una expresión universal en el mundo hispanohablante.
Se dice 'ganar tiempo'. 'Comprar tiempo' no se usa.
Sí, por ejemplo: 'Necesitamos ganar tiempo para revisar los términos del contrato'.
No, 'perder el tiempo' es malgastarlo. 'Ganar tiempo' es usarlo estratégicamente.
Es una forma más informal de decir 'ganar tiempo' dando excusas a una persona.
Sí, es un verbo regular: gano, gané, ganaré, ganaría...
Sí, 'dilatar el plazo' o 'posponer la decisión'.
Related Phrases
Hacer tiempo
similarTo kill time while waiting.
Perder tiempo
contrastTo waste time.
Dar largas
synonymTo stall someone.
A contrarreloj
builds onAgainst the clock.
Matar el tiempo
similarTo kill time.
