遅れる

§ Basic meaning and usage

The Japanese verb 遅れる (おくれる – okureru) means 'to be late' or 'to be delayed.' It's a common verb that you'll use frequently, so it's good to get a solid grasp of it early on. It's typically used when someone or something is not on time for an appointment, meeting, or scheduled event.

Japanese Word

遅れる (おくれる – okureru)

Definition

To be late; to be delayed.

§ How to use it in a sentence – grammar, prepositions

When using 遅れる, you'll often combine it with particles to specify what you are late for. The most common particles are に (ni) and から (kara).

• に (ni) for a specific time or event: Use に to indicate the specific time or event you are late for.

Hint

I will be late for the meeting.

Hint

The train was delayed.

• から (kara) for missing something because of being late: While less common than に, から can be used to indicate what you miss out on or are absent from *because* you are late. This nuance is slightly different from just being late *for* something.

Hint

I ended up being late (and thus missed part of) class.

The simple present/future form is 遅れる (okureru). The polite form is 遅れます (okuremasu). The past tense is 遅れた (okureta), and the polite past tense is 遅れました (okuremashita).

You can also use 遅れる in a continuous form or with other grammatical structures:

• ～てしまう (te shimau): This adds a nuance of regret or completion. When combined with 遅れる, it often expresses regret for being late.

Hint

Sorry, the road was crowded, and I ended up being late.

• ～そう (sou): This expresses that something 'looks like' it will be late.

Hint

It looks like the flight will be delayed because of the rain.

§ Common phrases and contexts

Here are some common ways you'll hear and use 遅れる in everyday Japanese:

• 遅刻する (chikoku suru): This is another common way to say 'to be late' or 'to arrive late,' often used specifically for being late to work or school. While similar, 遅れる is more general.

Hint

I was late for school again.

When informing someone you will be late, it's polite to use humble language and apologize.

Hint

I apologize, I will be a little late.

Practice using 遅れる in various sentences to get comfortable with its nuances. Pay attention to the particles and the context to ensure you're using it correctly.