Spanish Phrase
Tarda unos 30 minutos.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener that something – a trip, a cooking process, a meeting, etc. – will take roughly thirty minutes. The word *unos* signals that the time is an estimate, not an exact figure.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to give a quick estimate of how long an activity lasts. It’s common in travel (how long a bus takes), cooking (how long a dish needs), appointments (how long a service will last), and everyday conversation about schedules.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tardaunos30minutos.
tardar (verb)
The verb *tardar* means ‘to take (time)’. In the present tense, third‑person singular *tarda* is used impersonally, like ‘it takes…’.
unos (indefinite article)
When placed before a number of minutes, *unos* works as an approximation marker, similar to ‘about’ or ‘around’.
numeral + noun
The number (30) is followed by the noun *minutos*; the noun stays in plural because the quantity is more than one.
punctuation
A period at the end marks a complete statement; it is not spoken.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cuánto tarda el tren a la capital?
How long does the train take to the capital?
Tarda unos 30 minutos.
It takes about 30 minutes.
✕Common Mistakes
Es unos 30 minutos.
The verb *ser* is not used to express duration; use *tardar* or *durar* instead.
Yo tardo unos 30 minutos.
Use *tarda* unless the subject is *yo* (I). Most time‑estimate sentences are impersonal, so *tarda* is correct.
Tarda 30 minutos.
When you want to stress approximation, keep *unos*; dropping it makes the statement sound exact.
↔Alternatives
Dura aproximadamente 30 minutos.
It lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Se tarda alrededor de media hora.
It takes around half an hour.
Le lleva unos 30 minutos.
It takes him/her/it about 30 minutes.
Cultural Tip
In most Spanish‑speaking countries *tardar* is the go‑to verb for talking about duration. Native speakers often replace the exact number with *media hora* (half an hour) or *un ratito* (a little while) for a more informal feel. Remember that *unos* can be omitted if you want a more precise statement: *Tarda 30 minutos.*