Introduction
Learning how to postpone conversations or activities is an essential skill in any language. Whether you’re in a business meeting, having a casual chat with friends, or juggling multiple tasks, knowing how to say we’ll pick this up later in Spanish will help you communicate naturally and professionally. This phrase is incredibly useful in modern Spanish-speaking environments, from formal corporate settings to relaxed social gatherings. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore multiple ways to express this concept, examine the cultural nuances behind each phrase, and provide you with practical examples that you can use immediately in real conversations.
The Most Common Way to Say “We’ll Pick This Up Later” in Spanish
The most straightforward and widely understood way to express this idea is Lo retomaremos más tarde. This phrase literally translates to we will take it up again later and is perfectly appropriate for both formal and semi-formal contexts. The verb retomaremos comes from the infinitive retomar, which specifically means to pick up again or to resume.
Breaking down the phrase:
Lo = it
retomaremos = we will pick up/resume (first person plural future tense)
más = more
tarde = late/later
This construction is particularly effective in professional environments such as conferences, business calls, and formal meetings. Native speakers appreciate this phrase because it demonstrates clear intent to continue the discussion while acknowledging time constraints.
Alternative Phrases for Different Situations
Casual and Informal Options
When you’re with friends or in relaxed settings, you might opt for Lo continuamos después. This phrase uses continuamos (we continue) instead of retomaremos, which sounds slightly more casual while remaining respectful. The word después means afterward or later, and this combination is perfect for informal conversations.
Another popular informal option is Volvemos a esto más tarde. The verb volver (to return) combined with a esto (to this) creates a friendly, approachable way of saying let’s come back to this. This phrase is especially common among friends, family members, and colleagues in relaxed work environments.
For the most casual situations, you might hear Lo dejamos para después. Here, dejar (to leave) suggests setting something aside temporarily, which is particularly common in Latin American Spanish. This phrase feels natural and unforced in everyday conversation.
Formal and Professional Expressions
In business environments or formal presentations, Proseguiremos con esto posteriormente demonstrates a high level of professionalism. The verb proseguir means to proceed or continue, and posteriormente is a more formal version of later. This phrasing is ideal for executive meetings, academic discussions, or official communications.
Another excellent formal option is Reanudaremos esta conversación más adelante. The verb reanudar means to resume or restart, and más adelante translates to later on or further ahead. This phrase conveys serious intent and respect for the discussion at hand.
Understanding the Grammar Behind These Phrases
Most of these expressions use the first-person plural future tense, which is essential for expressing what we will do. In Spanish, the future tense for nosotros (we) typically adds -emos to regular verbs in the infinitive form.
For example:
retomar → retomaremos (we will pick up)
continuar → continuaremos (we will continue)
volver → volveremos (we will return)
reanudar → reanudaremos (we will resume)
Understanding this pattern helps you create similar sentences and reinforces your overall Spanish grammar skills. The beauty of using the future tense is that it sounds intentional and committed, rather than vague or dismissive.
Cultural Notes and Context
Spanish speakers value directness and clarity in communication, especially in professional settings. Using any of these phrases demonstrates that you respect the other person’s time and are genuinely interested in continuing the discussion. The tone and context matter significantly when choosing which phrase to use.
In Spain, you’ll notice a slight preference for Lo retomaremos más tarde in formal settings, while Latin American Spanish speakers might lean toward Lo dejamos para después in casual contexts. However, all of these phrases are understood and accepted throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
It’s worth noting that Spanish culture often emphasizes the importance of personal relationships in business. Using these phrases shows respect for the conversation and suggests that you value continuing it, which can strengthen professional relationships. Abruptly ending a discussion without mentioning continuation could come across as dismissive or disrespectful.
Practical Examples in Context
Business Meeting Scenario
Imagine you’re in a meeting discussing a project timeline, and you need to address another pressing issue:
Manager: Hay varios problemas con el presupuesto.
You: Entiendo. Lo retomaremos más tarde cuando tengamos todos los datos. Primero, necesitamos hablar sobre la fecha de entrega.
(I understand. We’ll pick this up later when we have all the data. First, we need to talk about the delivery date.)
Casual Conversation Among Friends
You’re chatting with friends about planning a trip, but someone needs to leave soon:
Friend 1: Y luego podríamos visitar las montañas también.
You: Sí, buena idea. Lo continuamos después. Ahora tengo que irme.
(Yes, good idea. We’ll continue this later. I have to go now.)
Phone Call with a Colleague
You’re discussing a project detail, but realize you need more information:
Colleague: Necesitamos decidir sobre los colores del diseño.
You: Proseguiremos con esto posteriormente cuando haya consultado con el equipo de diseño.
(We’ll proceed with this later when I’ve consulted with the design team.)
Tips for Using These Phrases Effectively
Always pair your phrase with a reason or explanation when possible. This shows that you’re not avoiding the topic but genuinely need to address it at another time. For instance, instead of just saying Lo retomaremos más tarde, you might say Lo retomaremos más tarde cuando hayamos recibido más información (We’ll pick this up later when we’ve received more information).
Pay attention to your tone and body language when using these expressions. Even the perfect Spanish phrase can feel dismissive if delivered without genuine interest. Make eye contact, nod, and show that you truly value the conversation.
Remember that context is everything. A formal business presentation calls for different language than a casual text message to a friend. Match your phrase to your environment and relationship with the person you’re speaking with.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One frequent error is using the conditional tense instead of the future tense. While Lo retomaríamos más tarde technically means we would pick this up later, it sounds less committed than Lo retomaremos más tarde. The future tense conveys certainty and intention.
Another mistake is overusing informal phrases in professional settings. While your boss might appreciate casual language if you have a friendly relationship, it’s always safer to err on the side of formality in business contexts.
Additionally, avoid phrases that sound too abrupt, such as Eso es todo for now (That’s all for now) without adding a commitment to continue. Spanish speakers appreciate the explicit promise to resume the conversation.
Conclusion
Mastering how to say we’ll pick this up later in Spanish opens doors to more natural and respectful communication in both personal and professional settings. From Lo retomaremos más tarde in formal contexts to Lo continuamos después in casual conversations, you now have multiple tools to express this important concept. Remember that the choice of phrase should reflect your relationship with the person and the formality of the situation. Practice using these expressions in real conversations, pay attention to how native speakers use them, and gradually they’ll become second nature. By incorporating these phrases into your Spanish vocabulary, you’re not just learning words—you’re learning how to communicate with respect and clarity in the Spanish-speaking world.
