más vale tarde que nunca

/mas ˈbale ˈtaɾde ke ˈnuŋka/◆proverb

better late than never

Aunque llegaste tarde a la reunión, más vale tarde que nunca.

Even though you arrived late to the meeting, better late than never.

◆ What It Really Means

It's better to take action, even if delayed, than to do nothing at all.

¶ Literal Meaning

It is more valuable to be late than to never arrive.

Literal Breakdown

más valeit is more valuable+tardelate+que nuncathan never

◇ Mental Image

A metaphorical scale where being late is weighed against never taking action, with the former being preferable.

◈ When to Use

A friend who missed the deadline for a project but is still working on it. You say, 'Más vale tarde que nunca,' to reassure them.

◉ Cultural Note

This proverb reflects the Spanish cultural value of perseverance and the importance of action over inaction.

informal

It's better to do something late than not to do it at all, emphasizing that delayed action is still valuable.

No te preocupes por no haber empezado a estudiar antes; más vale tarde que nunca.

Don't worry about not having started studying earlier; better late than never.

This proverb is often used to encourage someone who is starting something late but should not be discouraged.

Synonyms

every cloud has a silver lining

Use this phrase to encourage someone who feels they are behind schedule or starting something late.

The phrase originates from Spanish wisdom literature, emphasizing the value of action over inaction, even if delayed.

Commonly used to reassure or motivate someone who is starting something late.

Diccionario Español-Inglés