más vale tarde que nunca

/mas ˈbale ˈtaɾde ke ˈnuŋka/

proverb★Intermediate◆proverb

◆ What It Really Means

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

¶ Literal Meaning

It is better late than never

Literal Breakdown

más valeit is better+tardelate+que nuncathan never

◇ Mental Image

The mental image of someone arriving late but still being welcomed or appreciated, emphasizing the value of action over inaction.

◈ When to Use

A friend who missed a deadline for a project but still submits it late; you might say 'más vale tarde que nunca' to encourage them.

◉ Cultural Note

This proverb reflects a cultural emphasis on perseverance and the importance of taking action, even if it is not perfect or timely.

formalinformal

It is better to do something late than to never do it at all, emphasizing that taking action, even if delayed, is preferable to inaction.

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

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

No te preocupes por no haber empezado el proyecto antes; más vale tarde que nunca.

Don't worry about not starting the project earlier; better late than never.

💡

This proverb is used to encourage someone to take action, even if it is delayed, rather than giving up or not doing it at all.

Synonyms

nunca es tarde si la dicha es buenaproverb

It is never too late if the outcome is good

Use this phrase to motivate someone who is feeling discouraged about being late or delayed in their actions.

This proverb originates from Spanish and reflects a common cultural value of perseverance and the importance of taking action.

This phrase is often used to reassure someone who feels guilty or anxious about being late or delayed in completing a task.

más vale

it is better

phrase

tarde

late

adverb

que nunca

than never

phrase

Diccionario Español-Inglés