Spanish · 0:35

How to say you are running late in Spanish

Practice Spanish phrases for running late. Hear the examples, compare their meanings, and explain a delay in a short reply.

By Fabling · A shared lesson, free to watch

Read along below

What to listen for

Choose a phrase that fits whether you are already late or expect to arrive late. Add a time estimate when it helps the other person.

Play when you’re ready. Subtitles are available in the player.

Read and understand

Spanish from the video

Read the Spanish, then check its English meaning. Listen again when you want to hear the phrasing.

0:05

Voy tarde.

I'm late.

0:08

Se me hace tarde y tengo que salir ya.

It's getting late for me and I have to leave now.

0:14

Voy con retraso porque el metro iba lentísimo.

I'm running behind schedule because the subway was super slow.

0:19

No llego a tiempo ni de broma, voy a mil por hora.

No way I'll make it on time, I'm rushing like crazy.

0:25

Se me pegaron las sábanas, voy tardísimo.

I overslept / got stuck to the sheets, I'm running crazy late.

A closer look

Choose a phrase that fits whether you are already late or expect to arrive late. Add a time estimate when it helps the other person.

Informal expressions can be useful with friends; a direct apology is often clearer in a work setting.

The video uses level labels to arrange its examples. Treat these as variations to explore, not a test of your level or a rule that longer phrases are better.

Your turn

Try one reply.

Tell a friend you will arrive ten minutes late.

Show an example

Perdón, voy a llegar diez minutos tarde. — Sorry, I’ll arrive ten minutes late.

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