Meaning
To use time inefficiently or unproductively.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'perder tempo' is often used to criticize the 'burocracia' (bureaucracy). It's a common social complaint that brings people together in shared frustration. In Portugal, the phrase can be linked to the concept of 'desenrascar' (to find a quick solution). If you don't 'desenrascar', you are 'perdendo tempo'. In Luanda, 'perder tempo' is frequently associated with the 'engarrafamentos' (traffic jams), which are some of the most intense in the world. In the Lusophone corporate world, 'não perder tempo' is a sign of a 'pessoa dinâmica' (dynamic person), a highly valued trait in job interviews.
The 'Eu Perco' Rule
Always remember the 'c' in 'Eu perco'. It's the most common mistake for beginners.
Don't be too rude
Telling someone 'Você está perdendo tempo' can be aggressive. Use 'Não vamos perder tempo' to be more inclusive.
Meaning
To use time inefficiently or unproductively.
The 'Eu Perco' Rule
Always remember the 'c' in 'Eu perco'. It's the most common mistake for beginners.
Don't be too rude
Telling someone 'Você está perdendo tempo' can be aggressive. Use 'Não vamos perder tempo' to be more inclusive.
Use 'Tempão'
In Brazil, say 'Perdi um tempão' to sound very natural when complaining about a long wait.
Punctuality
Even if people are late, they still hate 'perder tempo'. It's a paradox of Lusophone culture!
Test Yourself
Complete with the correct form of the verb 'perder' in the present tense.
Eu sempre _______ muito tempo no trânsito de São Paulo.
The first person singular of 'perder' is irregular: 'perco'.
Which sentence is correct to tell a friend to hurry up?
Choose the best option:
The standard idiomatic way to say 'Don't waste time' is 'Não perca tempo'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Você já terminou o relatório? B: Ainda não. Eu _______ tempo com aquele problema no computador.
The past tense 'perdi' is needed to explain why the task isn't finished.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are in a long, useless meeting. What do you say to your colleague?
'Perdendo tempo' expresses the frustration of inefficiency.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu sempre _______ muito tempo no trânsito de São Paulo.
The first person singular of 'perder' is irregular: 'perco'.
Choose the best option:
The standard idiomatic way to say 'Don't waste time' is 'Não perca tempo'.
A: Você já terminou o relatório? B: Ainda não. Eu _______ tempo com aquele problema no computador.
The past tense 'perdi' is needed to explain why the task isn't finished.
You are in a long, useless meeting. What do you say to your colleague?
'Perdendo tempo' expresses the frustration of inefficiency.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, it almost always implies that the time could have been used for something better.
Yes, 'perder tempo com alguém' means that person is not worth your effort.
'Desperdiçar' is more formal and sounds like a stronger waste of a resource.
It is regular: perdi, perdeu, perdemos, perderam.
Use 'com' for objects/people and 'em' or a gerund for activities.
Yes, that is the noun form: 'Isso é uma perda de tempo' (This is a waste of time).
Extremely common, though they might use 'a + infinitive' after it more than Brazilians.
'Aproveitar o tempo' (to make the most of time).
Yes, to say you are efficient: 'Não gosto de perder tempo'.
No, that is 'estar atrasado' or 'perder a hora'.
No, it is standard Portuguese used in all levels of society.
'Não perca meu tempo' or 'Não me faça perder tempo'.
It usually refers to the past or missed opportunities in life.
No, for games you just use 'perder' (Eu perdi o jogo).
Related Phrases
Matar tempo
similarTo kill time (waiting)
Jogar tempo fora
synonymTo throw time away
Ganhar tempo
contrastTo gain/buy time
Passar tempo
similarTo spend time
Aproveitar o tempo
contrastTo make the most of time
