Significado
Commenting on the time.
Contexto cultural
The Dutch value their sleep and 'rust' (rest). Saying 'het is een beetje laat' at 10:30 PM is a very strong signal that the evening is over. Flemish people might stay out later than the Dutch, but the phrase is used similarly to politely decline a 'laatste pintje' (last beer). In multicultural urban areas, 'faya laat' is used among youth to mean 'extremely late' or 'too late'. In meetings, this phrase is a 'power move' used by chairpersons to force a decision when time is running out.
The 'Al' Trick
Add 'al' (already) to sound more like a native: 'Het is al een beetje laat.' It adds a sense of surprise or urgency.
Don't use 'klein'
Never say 'een klein laat'. It's always 'een beetje'.
Significado
Commenting on the time.
The 'Al' Trick
Add 'al' (already) to sound more like a native: 'Het is al een beetje laat.' It adds a sense of surprise or urgency.
Don't use 'klein'
Never say 'een klein laat'. It's always 'een beetje'.
The Social Exit
If you want to leave a Dutch party, this is your best friend. It's the most polite way to say goodbye.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing words to say 'It is a bit late.'
Het ___ een ___ laat.
The standard form uses 'is' and 'beetje'.
Which sentence is the most polite way to leave a party?
How do you say it's getting late?
This uses 'wordt' and 'een beetje' to soften the departure.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Wil je nog wat drinken? B: Nee bedankt, ___.
You use 'het is' to refer to the time of day.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You arrive at 19:05 for a 19:00 dinner.
When referring to your own arrival, use 'Ik ben'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
When to say 'Een beetje laat'
Social
- • Leaving a party
- • Ending a date
- • Stopping a chat
Apology
- • 5 mins late
- • Late text
- • Late email
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosHet ___ een ___ laat.
The standard form uses 'is' and 'beetje'.
How do you say it's getting late?
This uses 'wordt' and 'een beetje' to soften the departure.
A: Wil je nog wat drinken? B: Nee bedankt, ___.
You use 'het is' to refer to the time of day.
You arrive at 19:05 for a 19:00 dinner.
When referring to your own arrival, use 'Ik ben'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasNo, 'laat' refers to the end of a period. In the morning, you would say 'Het is al laat' if you overslept, but usually, you'd just say 'Ik ben laat'.
'Laat' is just the time (e.g., 11 PM). 'Te laat' means you missed something (e.g., the bus left at 11:00 and you arrived at 11:05).
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes, 'laatjes' is a very informal, playful diminutive of 'laat'. It sounds a bit 'cutesy'.
Frases relacionadas
Te laat
similarToo late
Aan de late kant
synonymOn the late side
Bijtijds
contrastIn good time / early
Nachtbraker
builds onNight owl
