English–French

“be late” in French

French

Pronunciation

IPA/taʁde/

Example

Elle tarde à arriver.

She is late arriving.

Illustration for tarder (be late)

How to say “be late” in French

“Be late” in French is tarder.

A person or event remains behind the expected point because extra time is needed.

Full entry for tarder: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with tarder

Il tarde à répondre aux messages.

He is taking a long time to reply to the messages.

Tips for using tarder

  • Tarder à often has the sense 'be slow to' or 'take a long time to', as in Elle tarde à arriver, rather than only 'arrive late'.

“be late” in other languages