Learn Hardcore Spanish (Latin America): Ofrezco disculpas por mi tardanza; el tráfico estaba muy pesado hoy. - I apologize for my lateness; traffic was very heavy today.

“Ofrezco disculpas” literally translates to “I offer apologies”. It is a formal expression used to apologize—more formal than saying “Lo siento” (I’m sorry)—and is especially common in written or polite, formal contexts.

Why is the noun “disculpas” used in the plural form in this sentence?

In Spanish, it is idiomatic to use the plural form “disculpas” when offering an apology. Even though you are making one apology, the expression functions as a set phrase meaning “apologies”, which doesn’t directly correspond to the singular “apology” in English.

What does “tardanza” mean, and how does it compare to other words for lateness?

“Tardanza” means “tardiness” or “delay”. It specifically refers to being late or delayed. While similar words like “retraso” also mean delay, “tardanza” is often used in more formal contexts to emphasize one’s lateness.

Why is there a semicolon in the sentence, and what purpose does it serve?

The semicolon is used to separate two closely related independent clauses. The first clause communicates the apology, and the second provides the reason (the heavy traffic) for that apology. This punctuation choice helps to link the ideas clearly without using a conjunction.

Why is the verb “estaba” in the imperfect tense used when referring to the traffic?

“Estaba” is in the imperfect tense, which is used to describe an ongoing or continuous past state. In this sentence, it indicates that the traffic was consistently heavy throughout the period in question, rather than presenting it as a one-time event.

What does “pesado” mean in the context of describing traffic, and is it a common usage in Latin America?

In this context, “pesado” means “heavy” or “congested”, referring to traffic conditions. It is a common, colloquial way to describe slow or burdensome traffic in many Latin American countries.