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A1 noun #2,539 am häufigsten 6 Min. Lesezeit

遅刻

chikoku
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Erklärung 遅刻 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn '遅刻 (chikoku)' as a simple noun that means 'being late'. You will mostly use it with 'suru' to say 'I was late'. It is one of the first 'social' words you learn because punctuality is so important in Japan. You should focus on the basic sentence: 'Gakkou ni chikoku shimashita' (I was late for school). At this stage, don't worry too much about the difference between 'chikoku' and 'okureru', but try to remember that 'chikoku' is specifically for when you miss the start time of something like a class or a meeting. Just remember: Person + ni + chikoku suru.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'chikoku' in more complex sentences, such as giving reasons. You might use the '~te' form to explain why you were late: 'Densha ga okurete, chikoku shimashita' (The train was late, and [so] I was late). You also learn the negative form 'chikoku shinaide kudasai' (Please don't be late). You should start noticing the word in school or workplace settings and understand that it is a noun that can be used as a verb. You might also encounter the word 'chikoku-todoke' (a late slip) in textbooks about Japanese school life.
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At the B1 level, you should understand the social implications of 'chikoku'. You will learn to apologize more formally for being late. Instead of just 'chikoku shimashita', you might use 'chikoku shite shimaimashita' to express regret. You also learn to use 'chikoku' in conditional sentences, like 'Chikoku suru to, kaigi ni hairemasen' (If you are late, you cannot enter the meeting). You should be able to distinguish 'chikoku' from 'okureru' (the general verb) and 'osoi' (the adjective). You might also hear the term 'chikoku-gensei', which means 'lateness will not be tolerated'.
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At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'chikoku' in professional contexts with appropriate keigo (honorifics). You might say 'Moushiwake gozaimasen, jugyou ni chikoku itashimashita' to a professor. You will also encounter 'chikoku' in more abstract discussions about Japanese work culture and the '5-minute rule'. You should be comfortable using the word in passive constructions, like 'Chikoku shite, sensei ni okuraremashita' (I was late and was scolded by the teacher). You also learn related compound words like 'chikoku-soutai' (late arrival and early departure) and how they affect attendance records.
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At the C1 level, you understand the nuance of 'chikoku' in literature and formal reports. You can discuss the sociological aspects of 'Japanese Punctuality' and how the concept of 'chikoku' has evolved since the Meiji era. You might analyze texts where 'chikoku' is used metaphorically or in legal contexts (e.g., 'chikoku' in terms of contract fulfillment, though 'chitai' is more common there). You can use the word fluently in debates about work-life balance and the pressure of time in urban Japan. You also recognize idiomatic uses and can distinguish between 'chikoku' and 'chien' in technical or formal announcements.
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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 'chikoku'. You can use it in high-level academic writing or business negotiations. You understand the historical development of the kanji and the subtle differences between 'chikoku' and other 'time-failure' words in various dialects or historical periods. You can articulate the psychological impact of 'chikoku' on group dynamics and use the word in complex rhetorical structures. Your usage is flawless, including the most formal humble and honorific forms, and you can even play with the word in puns or sophisticated humor regarding time management.
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遅刻 in 30 Sekunden

  • Chikoku means being late for a specific appointment or start time.
  • It is most commonly used for school, work, or formal meetings.
  • It functions as a noun or a suru-verb (chikoku suru).
  • Punctuality is highly valued in Japan, making 'chikoku' a significant social error.

The term 遅刻 (Chikoku) is a fundamental noun in the Japanese language that encapsulates the concept of arriving late. Unlike general lateness, chikoku specifically refers to missing a predetermined start time for an organized event, such as a school class, a business meeting, or a shift at work. It is composed of two kanji: 遅 (chi/osoi) meaning 'late' or 'slow', and 刻 (koku/kizamu) meaning 'time' or 'to carve'. Historically, this 'carving of time' suggests a specific, fixed point on a schedule that has been breached.

Grammatical Function
Primarily a noun, but frequently functions as a Suru-verb (遅刻する) to describe the action of being late.
Social Weight
In Japanese culture, chikoku is not merely a temporal error; it is often viewed as a breach of trust and a lack of respect for the group's harmony (wa).

「明日の会議に遅刻しないでください。」 (Ashita no kaigi ni chikoku shinaide kudasai.)

— Translation: Please do not be late for tomorrow's meeting.

To understand chikoku, one must distinguish it from okureru (遅れる). While okureru can refer to a train being late or a project falling behind schedule, chikoku is almost exclusively reserved for people failing to arrive at a place by a specific time. If you are 5 minutes late for a 9:00 AM lecture, you have committed chikoku. If your watch is 5 minutes slow, your watch is okureteiru.

「電車が止まって、学校に遅刻した。」

— The train stopped, so I was late for school.
Chikoku-shite (Late and...)
Used when connecting the lateness to a consequence: 'Chikoku-shite okorareta' (I was late and got scolded).
Chikoku-todoke (Lateness Report)
A formal slip submitted at schools or offices to explain the reason for being late.

Visualizing the concept: Imagine a finish line representing 9:00 AM. Anyone crossing it at 9:01 AM is in the state of 'Chikoku'.

Using 遅刻 (Chikoku) correctly requires understanding its role as a suru-verb. The most common construction is [Destination/Event] + に (ni) + 遅刻する (chikoku suru). For example, 'Kaigi ni chikoku suru' (To be late for a meeting). It is vital to use the particle 'ni' to indicate the target of your lateness.

  • Formal Situations: In a business context, if you realize you will be late, you must call immediately. You would say, 'Moushiwake gozaimasen, 10-pun hodo chikoku itashimasu' (I am terribly sorry, I will be about 10 minutes late).
  • Casual Situations: Among friends, 'Gomen, chotto chikoku suru!' (Sorry, I'll be a bit late!) is common, though 'okureru' is also frequently used here.

「彼はいつも遅刻の常習犯だ。」 (Kare wa itsumo chikoku no joushuuhan da.)

— He is a habitual late-comer (literally: a habitual offender of lateness).

When explaining the reason for lateness, the structure usually follows: [Reason] + で (de) + 遅刻する. For instance, 'Jiko de chikoku shimashita' (I was late due to an accident). If the lateness is unavoidable, such as a train delay, you should obtain a Chien Shoumeisho (Delay Certificate) from the station to prove your chikoku was not your fault.

Chikoku-genkin (Lateness Strictly Prohibited)
Often seen on event posters or recruitment exams.
5-pun mae no seishin (The 5-minute early spirit)
The cultural expectation to arrive 5 minutes before the scheduled time to avoid any risk of chikoku.

You will encounter 遅刻 in various daily scenarios in Japan, ranging from the strict halls of a high school to the high-pressure environment of a Tokyo boardroom. In schools, the morning bell marks the boundary between being 'on time' and 'chikoku'. Teachers will often shout, 'Chikoku da zo!' (You're late!) to students running through the gates.

「遅刻届を職員室に出してください。」

— Please submit your lateness slip to the staff room.

In the workplace, chikoku is a serious matter. During performance reviews, a record of chikoku can negatively impact one's reputation. You might hear a manager say, 'Chikoku wa shinrai wo ushinaimasu' (Lateness loses trust). Interestingly, in the anime and manga world, the 'cliché of the girl running with toast in her mouth because she is chikoku' is a famous trope (Chikoku chikoku~!).

In social settings, while Japan is known for punctuality, the 'Okinawa Time' concept is a rare exception where chikoku is treated more lightly. However, in mainland Japan, especially for first dates or formal dinners, chikoku is a major faux pas.

The most frequent mistake learners make is confusing 遅刻 (Chikoku) with 遅れる (Okureru) and 遅い (Osoi). While they all relate to 'late,' their applications are distinct and non-interchangeable in many contexts.

Mistake 1: Using Chikoku for things
Incorrect: 'Basu ga chikoku shimashita.' (The bus was late.)
Correct: 'Basu ga okuremashita.'
Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Osoi' (Slow/Late in the day)
Incorrect: 'Yoru chikoku made hataraku.' (Working until late at night.)
Correct: 'Yoru osoku made hataraku.'
Mistake 3: Forgetting the 'Ni' particle
Incorrect: 'Gakkou wo chikoku suru.'
Correct: 'Gakkou ni chikoku suru.'

Another mistake is using chikoku when you are actually late for a deadline. If you are late submitting a report, you use kigen ni okureru or chien, not chikoku. Chikoku is strictly about physical presence at a specific time.

Pro Tip:

Think of 'Chikoku' as 'Person + Appointment + Missed Start'. If any of those three are missing, use 'Okureru' instead.

To master the nuances of lateness, you should compare 遅刻 with its synonyms and related terms. Each carries a different level of formality and specific situational usage.

1. 遅れる (Okureru)
The broad verb for 'to be late' or 'to be delayed'. It can be used for people, trains, projects, and clocks. It is less formal than chikoku when referring to oneself.
2. 遅延 (Chien)
A formal noun used for institutional delays, most commonly 'Densha no chien' (Train delay). You wouldn't say 'I had a chien' to your boss; you'd say 'The train had a chien, so I committed chikoku'.
3. 欠席 (Kesseki)
Meaning 'absence'. If you are so late that you miss the entire event, it becomes kesseki. In school, 'Chikoku-Soutai' (Late arrival and early departure) is a specific category for attendance records.
4. 遅滞 (Chitai)
A very formal/legal term for 'delay' or 'procrastination' in fulfilling an obligation or payment.

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

~te shimau (regretful action)

~ni yoru (due to)

~sei de (because of - negative)

~shisou (looks like/about to)

~itashimasu (humble verb)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

1

学校に遅刻しました。

I was late for school.

Noun + ni + chikoku shimashita.

2

遅刻しないでください。

Please don't be late.

Chikoku + shinaide kudasai (negative request).

3

田中さんは遅刻です。

Mr. Tanaka is late.

Chikoku as a predicate noun.

4

明日は遅刻しません。

I won't be late tomorrow.

Future negative form.

5

会議に遅刻しましたか？

Were you late for the meeting?

Question form.

6

少し遅刻します。

I will be a little late.

Sukoshi (a little) + chikoku suru.

7

遅刻はだめです。

Lateness is not allowed.

Chikoku as a subject.

8

また遅刻ですか？

Late again?

Mata (again) + chikoku.

1

電車が遅れて、遅刻しました。

The train was late, so I was late.

Using the te-form to show cause.

2

朝寝坊して遅刻しました。

I overslept and was late.

Asanebou (oversleeping) as the reason.

3

遅刻の理由を教えてください。

Please tell me the reason for your lateness.

Chikoku no riyuu (reason for lateness).

4

彼はよく遅刻します。

He is often late.

Yoku (often) + chikoku suru.

5

遅刻しそうなので、走ります。

I look like I'll be late, so I'll run.

Chikoku-shisou (looks like I'll be late).

6

パーティーに10分遅刻した。

I was 10 minutes late for the party.

Specific time + chikoku.

7

遅刻したら、電話してください。

If you are going to be late, please call.

Chikoku shitara (conditional).

8

初めて遅刻しました。

I was late for the first time.

Hajimete (first time).

1

遅刻してしまって、すみませんでした。

I'm sorry that I ended up being late.

Chikoku shite shimau (regretful completion).

2

5分以上の遅刻は欠席になります。

Lateness of more than 5 minutes counts as an absence.

Chikoku wa kesseki ni naru.

3

遅刻届を提出しなければなりません。

I must submit a lateness report.

Chikoku-todoke (late slip).

4

渋滞のせいで遅刻しそうです。

I'm likely to be late because of the traffic jam.

Sei de (because of - negative result).

5

彼は遅刻したことがありません。

He has never been late.

Chikoku shita koto ga nai (experience).

6

遅刻しないように、早く寝ます。

I'll go to bed early so that I won't be late.

Chikoku shinai you ni (in order not to).

7

遅刻は信頼に関わる問題です。

Lateness is a matter that affects trust.

Shinrai ni kakawaru (affects trust).

8

あんなに急いだのに、結局遅刻した。

Even though I hurried that much, I ended up being late anyway.

Non-ni (despite) + kekkyoku (after all).

1

度重なる遅刻により、厳重注意を受けた。

I received a severe warning due to repeated lateness.

Tabikasanaru (repeated) + chikoku.

2

公共交通機関の乱れによる遅刻は認められる。

Lateness due to public transport disruption is excused.

Niyoru (due to) + mitomerareru (is recognized).

3

遅刻が原因で、大切な商談を逃した。

I missed an important business deal because of my lateness.

Chikoku ga gen-in de (lateness as the cause).

4

彼は遅刻の常習犯として知られている。

He is known as a habitual latecomer.

Joushuuhan (habitual offender).

5

1分の遅刻も許されない厳しい職場だ。

It's a strict workplace where even one minute of lateness is not forgiven.

1-pun no chikoku mo yurusarenai.

6

遅刻を挽回するために、必死で働いた。

I worked desperately to make up for my lateness.

Bankai suru (to make up for/recover).

7

面接に遅刻するのは致命的だ。

Being late for an interview is fatal.

Chikoku suru no wa chimeiteki da.

8

遅刻の言い訳を考えるのは時間の無駄だ。

Thinking of excuses for being late is a waste of time.

Iiwake (excuse) + jikan no muda.

1

日本社会における遅刻への厳しさは特筆すべきものがある。

The strictness regarding lateness in Japanese society is noteworthy.

Ni okeru (in/regarding) + tokushitsu subeki (noteworthy).

2

遅刻がもたらす経済的損失は無視できない。

The economic losses caused by lateness cannot be ignored.

Motarasu (to bring about) + mushi dekinai.

3

彼は遅刻を正当化するために、様々な屁理屈を並べた。

He gave various quibbles to justify his lateness.

Seitouka (justification) + herikutsu (quibble/sophistry).

4

遅刻という行為は、組織の規律を乱す第一歩となり得る。

Nari-uru (can become/is possible).

5

不慮の事故による遅刻であれば、情状酌量の余地がある。

If the lateness is due to an unforeseen accident, there is room for extenuating circumstances.

Joujou shakuryou (extenuating circumstances).

6

遅刻を繰り返すことで、自己管理能力の欠如を露呈している。

By repeatedly being late, he is exposing his lack of self-management skills.

Ketsujo (lack) + rotei (exposure).

7

現代のビジネスにおいて、遅刻はマナー以前の問題と見なされる。

In modern business, lateness is considered an issue even before basic manners.

Izen no mondai (a problem before...).

8

遅刻魔の彼が時間通りに来たので、皆が驚いた。

Everyone was surprised because he, a chronic latecomer, arrived on time.

Chikoku-ma (someone who is always late).

1

遅刻という事象を、単なる時間的齟齬としてではなく、実存的な誠実さの欠如と捉える向きもある。

Some view the phenomenon of lateness not merely as a temporal discrepancy, but as a lack of existential sincerity.

Jishou (phenomenon) + sogo (discrepancy) + jitsuzonteki (existential).

2

明治維新以降、日本人の時間概念は変容し、遅刻は文明化への障害と目されるようになった。

Since the Meiji Restoration, the Japanese concept of time has transformed, and lateness came to be seen as an obstacle to civilization.

Hen-you (transformation) + mesareru (to be seen as).

3

厳格な時間管理が、過度なストレスや「遅刻恐怖症」を助長している側面も否めない。

It cannot be denied that strict time management also contributes to excessive stress and 'lateness phobia'.

Jochou (promotion/encouragement) + inamenai (cannot deny).

4

遅刻に対する社会的制裁が、個人の創造性を阻害しているという議論も存在する。

There is also an argument that social sanctions against lateness are hindering individual creativity.

Seisai (sanction) + sogai (hindrance).

5

「遅刻」の二文字が持つ重圧は、日本独自の集団主義的規律の象徴とも言えよう。

The pressure carried by the two characters for 'chikoku' could be called a symbol of Japan's unique collectivist discipline.

Ieyou (one might say).

6

遅刻を巡る言説は、単なるマナー論を超え、労働倫理や身体政治の領域へと敷衍される。

Discourse surrounding lateness extends beyond mere etiquette, expanding into realms of labor ethics and biopolitics.

Gensetsu (discourse) + fuen (expansion/elaboration).

7

如何なる不可抗力があろうとも、遅刻は自己責任に帰せられるのがこの組織の不文律だ。

It is the unwritten rule of this organization that no matter what force majeure occurs, lateness is attributed to personal responsibility.

Fubunritsu (unwritten rule) + kiserareru (to be attributed to).

8

遅刻という微細な逸脱が、システム全体の均衡を崩すトリガーとなり得ることを彼は熟知していた。

He was well aware that a minute deviation like lateness could trigger the collapse of the entire system's equilibrium.

Itsudatsu (deviation) + kinkou (equilibrium).

Synonyme

遅れ 延着 遅延 遅滞 タイムロス

Gegenteile

早着 定刻 時間厳守

Häufige Kollokationen

遅刻を繰り返す (repeat lateness)
遅刻を許す (forgive lateness)
遅刻を免れる (escape being late)
遅刻を報告する (report lateness)
大幅に遅刻する (be significantly late)
5分遅刻する (be 5 minutes late)
遅刻の常習犯 (habitual latecomer)
遅刻届を出す (submit a late slip)
遅刻しそう (likely to be late)
遅刻で怒られる (get scolded for being late)

Häufige Phrasen

遅刻厳禁 (Lateness strictly prohibited)
遅刻する (To be late)
遅刻届 (Lateness report)
遅刻理由 (Reason for lateness)
遅刻魔 (A person always late)
遅刻・早退 (Late arrival and early departure)
10分の遅刻 (10 minutes late)
遅刻してすみません (Sorry for being late)
遅刻しちゃった (I accidentally got late - casual)
遅刻確定 (Lateness is certain)

Wird oft verwechselt mit

遅刻 vs 遅れる (okureru)

Okureru is a general verb; Chikoku is specifically for appointments.

遅刻 vs 遅い (osoi)

Osoi is an adjective (slow/late); Chikoku is a noun/verb (being late).

遅刻 vs 遅延 (chien)

Chien is for systems/trains; Chikoku is for people.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"遅刻は成功の敵 (Lateness is the enemy of success)"
"5分前行動 (5-minute early action)"
"時は金なり (Time is money)"
"一刻を争う (Every second counts)"
"遅まきながら (Better late than never - though usually 'osomaki')"
"後の祭り (Too late/After the festival)"
"時間にルーズ (Loose with time)"
"尻に火がつく (Fire under the butt - rushing because late)"
"泥縄 (Catching the thief then making the rope - being late to prepare)"
"紺屋の明後日 (The dyer's 'the day after tomorrow' - habitual lateness/procrastination)"

Leicht verwechselbar

遅刻 vs

遅刻 vs

遅刻 vs

遅刻 vs

遅刻 vs

Satzmuster

Wortfamilie

Verwandt

遅れる (okureru - verb)
遅い (osoi - adjective)
遅らす (okurasu - transitive verb)
遅れ (okure - noun)
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nuance

Chikoku is more formal than 'okureru' when referring to scheduled events.

limitation

Only used for human beings, not objects or time itself.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 'chikoku' for inanimate objects like buses or trains.
  • Using 'chikoku' for missing a deadline (use 'okureru' instead).
  • Saying 'chikoku wo suru' (the 'wo' is usually omitted).
  • Confusing 'chikoku' with 'osoi' (which means slow or late at night).
  • Forgetting to use the particle 'ni' for the event/place.

Tipps

The 5-Minute Rule

Always aim to arrive 5 minutes before the scheduled time to avoid any risk of 'chikoku'.

Suru-Verb

Remember that 'chikoku' becomes a verb by adding 'suru'. Use it just like 'benkyou suru'.

Apologize First

In Japan, always apologize for the lateness before explaining the reason. It shows respect.

Get a Certificate

If the train is late, get a 'chien shoumeisho' from the station to prove it wasn't your fault.

Antonym

The opposite of 'chikoku' (late) is '定刻' (teikoku - on time) or '早着' (souchaku - early arrival).

Kanji Meaning

Think of 'carving time' (刻) to remember that 'chikoku' is about a specific point in time.

Sukoshi

Adding 'sukoshi' (a little) before 'chikoku' can soften the impact when talking to friends.

Toast Trope

Associate 'chikoku' with the anime girl running with toast; it's the ultimate visual for the word.

No Objects

Never say 'The bus is chikoku'. It sounds very strange to Japanese ears.

Humble Form

Use 'chikoku itashimashita' to sound very professional and truly sorry.

Einprägen

Wortherkunft

Originally referred to missing the specific 'carved' time on a water clock or sundial.

Kultureller Kontext

Students must submit a 'chikoku-todoke' signed by a parent or station master.

If a train is late, stations provide 'chien shoumeisho' to excuse your chikoku.

Lateness is seen as 'stealing other people's time'.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"今日はどうして遅刻したんですか？ (Why were you late today?)"

"遅刻しそうな時、どうしますか？ (What do you do when you're about to be late?)"

"日本人は遅刻に厳しいと思いますか？ (Do you think Japanese people are strict about lateness?)"

"学校で遅刻したことがありますか？ (Have you ever been late at school?)"

"遅刻の言い訳で一番面白いのは何ですか？ (What's the funniest excuse for being late?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Write about a time you were late and how you felt.

Describe your morning routine to avoid being late (chikoku).

Compare the attitude toward lateness in your country vs. Japan.

Imagine you are a teacher; what would you say to a student who is always late?

Write a formal apology for being late to a job interview.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, you should use 'okureru' or 'chien'. 'Chikoku' is only for people.

It's not a swear word, but being 'chikoku' is seen negatively in Japan.

It is a formal paper you give to a teacher or boss explaining why you were late.

You say 'Chikoku shite moushiwake gozaimasen' (formal) or 'Chikoku shite gomen' (casual).

In many Japanese schools and companies, yes, even 1 minute is 'chikoku'.

It refers to a person who is always late (a 'lateness demon').

Chikoku is a noun/suru-verb for appointments; okureru is a general verb for all delays.

No, use 'kigen ni okureru' for deadlines.

A cultural concept in Okinawa where being late is more acceptable than in mainland Japan.

Yes, very often, especially the 'running to school late' trope.

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