Spanish Phrase
Deja tiempo extra por si hay retrasos.
Meaning
The sentence advises someone to allocate additional time in their schedule in case unexpected delays occur, such as traffic jams, train cancellations, or long lines.
When to use
Use this phrase when planning trips, meetings, or any activity where punctuality matters and external factors could cause a setback. It’s especially handy when giving advice to friends or colleagues about travel or event logistics.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Dejatiempoextraporsihayretrasos
Imperative 'Deja'
‘Deja’ is the informal tú command of the verb ‘dejar’ meaning ‘to leave’ or ‘to allow’. For formal situations use ‘Deje’.
Adjective after noun
In Spanish, adjectives like ‘extra’ often follow the noun they modify, so ‘tiempo extra’ is the natural order.
Conjunction ‘por si’
‘Por si’ means ‘in case’ and introduces a precautionary clause; it cannot be omitted without changing the nuance.
Impersonal ‘hay’
‘Hay’ is the third‑person singular of ‘haber’ used impersonally to indicate existence: ‘hay retrasos’ = ‘there are delays’.
Plural noun ‘retrasos’
When you expect the possibility of more than one delay, use the plural ‘retrasos’; the singular ‘retraso’ would refer to a specific delay.
🗨In Conversation
¿A qué hora deberíamos salir para llegar a tiempo al concierto?
What time should we leave to arrive on time for the concert?
Deja tiempo extra por si hay retrasos.
Leave extra time in case there are delays.
✕Common Mistakes
Deja tiempo extra si hay retrasos.
Leaving out ‘por’ changes the meaning; ‘Deja tiempo extra si hay retrasos’ sounds like a conditional rather than a precaution.
Deje tiempo extra por si hay retrasos.
‘Deje’ is the formal command; using it with friends can sound overly stiff. Choose ‘Deja’ for informal contexts.
Deja tiempo extra por si hay retraso.
When speaking about the possibility of multiple delays, the plural ‘retrasos’ is more natural.
↔Alternatives
Reserva tiempo adicional por si se presentan retrasos.
Reserve additional time in case delays occur.
Añade un margen de tiempo por si hay demoras.
Add a time margin in case there are delays.
Planea con un poco de holgura por si surgen retrasos.
Plan with a little leeway in case delays arise.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking cities traffic, public‑transport strikes, and long queues are common, so locals habitually add a buffer to their schedules. Using ‘por si’ signals a polite, cautious attitude and is preferred over a blunt ‘si’ when you want to sound considerate.