Quick answer
Demorar measures or emphasizes time taken; atrasar compares the result with a schedule or deadline.
A reliable test is to identify the job of the word before translating from English.
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What each word does
demorar
to take a long time
Use demorar for an action requiring time or someone being slow to arrive.
atrasar
to delay or be late
Use atrasar for moving something past its scheduled or expected time.
How to choose
- demorar: Choose demorar if the sentence points to an action requiring time or someone being slow to arrive.
- atrasar: Choose atrasar if the sentence points to moving something past its scheduled or expected time.
Examples
O conserto demorou duas semanas.
The repair took two weeks.
O trânsito atrasou o ônibus.
Traffic delayed the bus.
Common trap
A trip can demorar três horas and still not be atrasada if three hours was the planned duration.
Practice it in context
Pick one sentence from your real life and write it twice: once with demorar, then once with atrasar. If both versions feel possible, name the meaning shift.
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