Learn Hardcore Spanish (Spain): A veces tardo mucho en adjuntar el archivo porque la nube va lenta. - Sometimes I take a long time to attach the file because the cloud is slow.

The fixed pattern is tardar + (time) + en + infinitivo. Using para after tardar is incorrect here. Example: Tardo 10 minutos en adjuntar el archivo.

Can I use tomar like in English “it takes”? As in Tomo mucho tiempo…?

In Spain, don’t use tomar for this. Say tardar or llevar: Me lleva mucho tiempo adjuntar el archivo. In much of Latin America, me toma is heard, but it’s not typical in Spain.

What’s the difference between tardo and me tardo?

In Spain you say tardo (non‑pronominal). Me tardo is common in some Latin American varieties (e.g., Mexico), but it sounds odd in Spain.

Why mucho and not mucha? Do I need to add tiempo?

Here mucho is an adverb modifying the verb (tardo), so it doesn’t change form. You can add the noun if you want: tardo mucho tiempo, but it’s often unnecessary.

Why adjuntar el archivo and not un archivo?

Use el when a specific file is meant or clear from context. Use un if it’s any old file. You can also replace the noun with a pronoun: tardo mucho en adjuntarlo.

Where do I put the pronoun with an infinitive: adjuntarlo or lo adjuntar?

Attach it to the infinitive: tardo mucho en adjuntarlo. With other periphrases you can also put it before the conjugated verb: Lo voy a adjuntar / Voy a adjuntarlo. Avoid forms like Lo tardo en adjuntar.

Does adjuntar mean the same as anexar or subir?

adjuntar: to attach (to an email/form/chat).
anexar: near‑synonym of adjuntar (more formal/Latin American, but understood in Spain).
subir: to upload (to a site or the cloud), not the same as attaching to a message.

Is archivo the best word in Spain? What about fichero or documento?

All work. In Spain, archivo and documento are very common; fichero is also used, especially in IT contexts. Choose what fits the file type and context.

Why la nube va lenta with ir? Could I say está lenta or funciona lentamente?

Ir + adjetivo often describes how something is running/performing (very idiomatic): El ordenador va lento. Alternatives: la nube está lenta, funciona lentamente, or more colloquially va despacio.

Why lenta instead of lentamente? And why feminine agreement?

With ir in this meaning, Spanish uses an adjective, not an adverb, so lenta. It agrees with the feminine noun la nube. Many speakers say va lento colloquially; agreeing as lenta is the careful choice.

Why use the article in la nube? Could I omit it?

Spanish often uses the definite article for generic technologies: la nube, la inteligencia artificial. With Internet, Spain often drops the article (Internet va lento), though el Internet is heard in parts of Latin America.

Which form is correct here: porque, por qué, porqué, or por que?

Porque (because). Quick guide:

por qué: question: ¿Por qué va lenta la nube?
porque: cause: … porque la nube va lenta.
porqué: noun “the reason”: el porqué.
por que: preposition + relative (rare): las razones por que… (more commonly por las que).

Do I need a comma after A veces?

Usually no. With short introductory adverbials like A veces, Spanish typically omits the comma: A veces tardo… A comma is optional for rhythm but less common.

Can I start the sentence with the reason clause?

Yes, but prefer Como/Ya que at the start: Como la nube va lenta, a veces tardo… Starting with Porque is fine in direct answers, but in neutral prose it’s more natural mid‑sentence.

How do I say exactly how long it takes?

Use tardar + amount of time + en + infinitivo. Example: Tardo 5 minutos en adjuntar el archivo.

How do I put this in the past or future?

Habitual past: A veces tardaba mucho…
One specific past instance: Ayer tardé mucho…
Recent past (Spain): A veces he tardado mucho…
Future: Mañana tardaré menos…

How do I mention what I attach the file to?

Use adjuntar algo a algo: adjuntar el archivo al correo / al formulario / al chat.

Any pronunciation tips for adjuntar?

j = harsh h (like German ch) ; stress is ad-jun-TAR.
The d in ad- is very soft; it can sound almost like ajuntar (but you must write adjuntar).
b/v sound the same in Spanish; nube has a soft b.

Are there more colloquial ways to say this in Spain?

Yes:

Me lleva un montón adjuntar el archivo…
Tardo un montón en adjuntar…
For speed complaints: La nube va fatal / Internet va fatal.

Is A veces the same as de vez en cuando or algunas veces?

They’re close. A veces and algunas veces are near‑synonyms; de vez en cuando tends to suggest a bit less frequency.

Could I say tardo mucho adjuntando el archivo?

No. With tardar, use en + infinitivo, not a gerund. If you want a gerund, switch verb: Me paso mucho tiempo adjuntando el archivo.