Pronunciation: [a(n) reu tar]
Meaning: late
Register: normal
Notes: The French expression en retard can be translated by "late" or any number of synonyms: behind, overdue, delayed, etc. En retard is adverbial, meaning that it must be used with a verb, usually être or arriver.*
Examples
Tu es en retard !
You're late!
Je suis en retard à mon rendez-vous.
I'm late for my appointment.
Il va arriver en retard ce matin.
He'll be (arriving) late this morning.
Elle est arrivé en retard au travail.
She was late for work.
Expressions
- avoir du retard - to be (running) late, to be overdue
- avoir (une heure, trois semaines...) de retard - to be (an hour, three weeks...) late
- être en retard pour son âge - to be backward for one's age
- être en retard sur l'horaire / le programme - to be behind schedule
- être en retard sur son temps / siècle - to be behind the times
- mettre (quelqu'un) en retard - to make (someone) late
- (le courrier / travail) en retard - backlog (of mail / work)
*The French translation of "late" as an adjective (to be used with a noun) is tardif. For example, un repas tardif - a late meal.
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