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retard

delay, lateness

noun ruh-TAR Common

Usage Note

Retard is used in the fixed phrase en retard (late, behind schedule) — the most common way to say someone is late in French. Avoir du retard means to be running late. Be careful: the English word 'retard' is a false friend here; the French word carries no offensive connotation.

Examples

"Le train a du retard ce matin."

Natural Translation

The train is late this morning.

Literal Translation

The train has some lateness this morning.

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