tão frequentemente atrasado
frequently late
Littéralement: so frequently late
Use this to describe someone whose tardiness has become a predictable and notable pattern of behavior.
En 15 secondes
- Describes a chronic habit of being late.
- Uses 'tão' to emphasize the annoying frequency.
- Requires gender agreement (atrasado vs atrasada).
Signification
This phrase describes someone who consistently fails to arrive on time. It is used to point out a recurring habit of tardiness rather than a one-time mistake.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Discussing a coworker
O João está tão frequentemente atrasado que começamos as reuniões sem ele.
João is so frequently late that we start the meetings without him.
Complaining about public transport
Este autocarro está tão frequentemente atrasado que vou passar a ir a pé.
This bus is so frequently late that I'm going to start walking.
Texting a friend about a date
Não fiques zangada, mas ele está tão frequentemente atrasado...
Don't be angry, but he is so frequently late...
Contexte culturel
In many Lusophone cultures, social events have a 'soft' start time. However, this phrase is used when someone exceeds even those relaxed cultural norms. It highlights a person whose lateness has become a defining personality trait.
Watch the Gender
Always remember to change 'atrasado' to 'atrasada' if you are talking about a woman. Portuguese is strict about this!
Don't Overuse 'Tão'
If you use 'tão' (so) too much, you sound very dramatic. Use 'muito' (very) if you want to be slightly more objective.
En 15 secondes
- Describes a chronic habit of being late.
- Uses 'tão' to emphasize the annoying frequency.
- Requires gender agreement (atrasado vs atrasada).
What It Means
This phrase describes a chronic habit of tardiness. It is not about being late once. It is about a pattern. When you use tão frequentemente atrasado, you are highlighting consistency. The word tão adds emphasis. It feels like saying 'so' or 'this' much. It points to a frustrating or notable frequency.
How To Use It
You use it as an adjective phrase. It usually follows the verb estar (to be). For example: Ele está tão frequentemente atrasado. You can also use it to describe a situation. It fits perfectly when you are venting. Or when you are simply stating a fact. Remember to match the gender. For a woman, use atrasada. For a group, use atrasados.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend misses the movie start. Use it when a colleague ruins the meeting flow. It is great for performance reviews. It works well in casual gossip too. Use it when the bus never arrives on time. It is a very descriptive and clear expression.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for a one-off delay. If someone is late once, just use atrasado. Avoid it if you want to be very brief. In a rush, sempre atrasado (always late) is faster. Do not use it if you are the one late. It makes your excuse sound like a confession!
Cultural Background
Time in Portuguese-speaking cultures can be flexible. This is often called 'Brazilian time' or 'Portuguese time'. However, being tão frequentemente atrasado still carries a stigma. It implies a lack of respect for others. In business, punctuality is becoming much more strict. Using this phrase shows you notice the social contract. It marks the line between 'fashionably late' and 'annoyingly late'.
Common Variations
You might hear sempre atrasado for 'always late'. Another common one is constantemente atrasado. If you want to be slangy, use furão. That implies someone who 'flakes' or skips out. But tão frequentemente atrasado remains the most descriptive version. It sounds balanced and observant.
Notes d'usage
This is a neutral collocation suitable for most settings. Ensure gender and number agreement with the subject (atrasado/atrasada/atrasados/atrasadas).
Watch the Gender
Always remember to change 'atrasado' to 'atrasada' if you are talking about a woman. Portuguese is strict about this!
Don't Overuse 'Tão'
If you use 'tão' (so) too much, you sound very dramatic. Use 'muito' (very) if you want to be slightly more objective.
The 15-Minute Rule
In Brazil, being 15 minutes late is often considered 'on time' for social events. Only use this phrase if they exceed that buffer!
Exemples
6O João está tão frequentemente atrasado que começamos as reuniões sem ele.
João is so frequently late that we start the meetings without him.
Shows a professional consequence of the habit.
Este autocarro está tão frequentemente atrasado que vou passar a ir a pé.
This bus is so frequently late that I'm going to start walking.
Used for services, not just people.
Não fiques zangada, mas ele está tão frequentemente atrasado...
Don't be angry, but he is so frequently late...
Softening a blow or making an excuse for someone.
Se houvesse um prêmio por estar tão frequentemente atrasado, tu ganharias o ouro!
If there were a prize for being so frequently late, you'd win gold!
Using sarcasm to point out the habit.
Sinto que não me respeitas quando estás tão frequentemente atrasado.
I feel like you don't respect me when you are so frequently late.
Expressing feelings about the behavior.
O funcionário tem estado tão frequentemente atrasado que uma advertência foi emitida.
The employee has been so frequently late that a warning was issued.
Used in a formal HR context.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form for a female friend.
A Maria está ___ frequentemente ___.
Since Maria is female, the adjective must be 'atrasada'.
Complete the sentence to describe a recurring bus delay.
O comboio chega ___ frequentemente ___.
'Comboio' (train) is masculine, so 'atrasado' is the correct match.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Tão Frequentemente Atrasado'
Used with friends or family.
Tu estás tão frequentemente atrasado, pá!
Standard everyday use.
Ele está tão frequentemente atrasado.
Professional or written reports.
O sujeito encontra-se tão frequentemente atrasado.
When to use this phrase
Work Meetings
Talking about a colleague.
Public Transit
Complaining about the metro.
Social Gatherings
Waiting for that one friend.
School/Uni
Discussing a student's habits.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt adds emphasis, turning 'frequently late' into 'SO frequently late'. It shows you are impressed or annoyed by the consistency.
Yes, it works for objects and services too. You can say O trem está tão frequentemente atrasado.
It is neutral but honest. If said to someone's face, it is a direct criticism of their habits.
You would say sempre atrasado. It is a bit stronger and more common in casual speech.
Usually no. You keep it as tão frequentemente atrasado to maintain the correct flow of descriptors.
The phrase is used the same way in both. However, Brazilians might use atrasadíssimo for extra drama.
Only if describing a past challenge or a system. Don't use it to describe yourself unless you want to stay unemployed!
The opposite would be sempre pontual (always punctual) or muito pontual.
Yes! If a clock is slow, you can say O relógio está atrasado.
It is slightly more formal than muitas vezes, but still very common in daily conversation.
Expressions liées
sempre atrasado
always late
em cima da hora
at the last minute
perder a hora
to lose track of time / oversleep
chegar cedo
to arrive early
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