el síndrome del mañana
Lemma Details
Translation: tomorrow syndrome; procrastination syndrome; the habit of postponing things
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines 'el síndrome' (the syndrome) with 'del mañana' (of tomorrow). It describes the psychological tendency to postpone tasks to a future time. The concept parallels the English expression 'procrastination' but specifically emphasizes pushing things to 'tomorrow' (mañana), which in Hispanic culture has become somewhat stereotypically associated with a relaxed attitude toward time and deadlines.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Sufro del síndrome del mañana; siempre dejo mis tareas para el último momento.
I suffer from tomorrow syndrome; I always leave my tasks until the last moment.
Para superar el síndrome del mañana, es importante establecer plazos realistas y cumplirlos.
To overcome tomorrow syndrome, it's important to establish realistic deadlines and meet them.
El síndrome del mañana afecta a muchos estudiantes durante los exámenes finales.
Tomorrow syndrome affects many students during final exams.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'mañana' (tomorrow) as always being just out of reach - you never actually get to 'tomorrow' because it's always in the future.
- Visualize a calendar where someone keeps moving tasks from today to tomorrow, creating an endless cycle.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase reflects a concept recognized in Hispanic cultures where 'mañana' (tomorrow) has become somewhat of a cultural stereotype about postponing tasks. While sometimes used humorously, it can also be used in serious contexts when discussing productivity issues or time management problems. The phrase is often used in self-help contexts, productivity discussions, and psychological articles about procrastination.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'el síndrome del mañana' refers to procrastination and postponing tasks, 'el síndrome de burnout' refers to exhaustion and mental collapse due to overwork and stress.
Notes: These syndromes represent opposite problems: one is about not doing enough work now, the other about having done too much work already.
Mnemonic: 'Mañana' points to the future (procrastination), while 'burnout' suggests something that has already happened (exhaustion from past work).