perder el tiempo
Grammar & Usage
How it works
Formed by the transitive verb 'perder' (to lose) and the direct object 'el tiempo' (the time). 'Perder' is a stem-changing verb (e > ie in the present indicative and subjunctive). It often takes a prepositional complement introduced by 'en' followed by a noun or infinitive to specify the activity.
Sample sentences
Deja de mirar las redes sociales y no pierdas el tiempo.
Stop checking social media and don't waste time.
Siento que perdí el tiempo en esa reunión porque no decidimos nada.
I feel like I wasted my time in that meeting because we didn't decide anything.
No tenemos tiempo que perder si queremos terminar el proyecto hoy.
We have no time to lose if we want to finish the project today.
Quick facts
Mnemonic
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Example
Deja de mirar las redes sociales y no pierdas el tiempo.
Stop checking social media and don't waste time.
Siento que perdí el tiempo en esa reunión porque no decidimos nada.
I feel like I wasted my time in that meeting because we didn't decide anything.
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