拖延
When you delay doing something, or put it off until later, you can use the word 拖延 (tuōyán). This often means you don't want to do it, so you wait. For example, if you have homework but watch TV instead, you are 拖延 (tuōyán) your homework. It can also mean to make something take longer than it needs to. Try to use this word when you notice yourself or others putting things off.
Alright, let's talk about 拖延 (tuōyán). This word means 'to delay' or 'to procrastinate'. It's super common, and you'll hear it in a bunch of different situations. We all do it, right? So, let's see where this word pops up in real life.
§ At Work
In the workplace, 拖延 is something bosses complain about and colleagues warn each other against. Nobody likes a procrastinator, especially when deadlines are tight. You'll hear it when someone's not pulling their weight or when a project is falling behind schedule.
你不能再拖延了，这个报告明天必须交。
- Translation hint
- You cannot procrastinate any longer, this report must be submitted tomorrow.
因为他的拖延，项目进度落后了。
- Translation hint
- Because of his delay, the project is behind schedule.
§ In School
For students, 拖延 is a constant battle. Whether it's homework, essays, or studying for exams, it's easy to put things off. You'll hear teachers using it to encourage students to be more proactive, and students themselves often joke (or complain) about their own procrastination habits.
我总是喜欢拖延，直到最后一刻才开始学习。
- Translation hint
- I always like to procrastinate, not starting to study until the last minute.
老师建议我们不要拖延作业。
- Translation hint
- The teacher advised us not to delay homework.
§ In the News
When you're reading or watching the news, 拖延 often comes up in discussions about government policies, economic reforms, or large-scale projects. It implies a lack of decisive action or a slowdown in progress.
- Government actions:
政府不应该在应对气候变化问题上拖延。
- Translation hint
- The government should not delay in addressing climate change issues.
- Project delays:
由于资金问题，新机场项目一再拖延。
- Translation hint
- Due to funding issues, the new airport project has been repeatedly delayed.
So, there you have it. 拖延 is a versatile word that you'll definitely come across in various contexts. Pay attention to how it's used – it'll help you understand the nuances of delaying or procrastinating in Chinese.
