Signification
To be behind schedule
Contexte culturel
In Athens, the 'καθυστέρηση' of buses is a constant topic of conversation. Digital signs at bus stops provide real-time updates, but Greeks often treat these as 'suggestions' rather than facts. While social lateness is tolerated, in a Greek business context, 'καθυστέρηση' is often met with formal apologies. It is common to blame 'the system' or 'bureaucracy' (η γραφειοκρατία) for any delay. On Greek islands, especially in the summer, the concept of 'καθυστέρηση' is almost non-existent because the pace of life is 'halará' (relaxed). A ferry being an hour late is often not considered a 'delay' but just part of the journey. In Greek universities, the 'academic quarter' (το ακαδημαϊκό τέταρτο) is a tradition where lectures start 15 minutes late. If a professor is later than that, it is officially a 'καθυστέρηση'.
Use 'Έχει' for Transport
When talking about buses, trains, or planes, always use 'έχει καθυστέρηση'. It sounds much more natural than 'είναι μια καθυστέρηση'.
Gender Matters
Remember 'καθυστέρηση' is feminine. If you use an adjective like 'big', it must be 'μεγάλη', not 'μεγάλο'.
Signification
To be behind schedule
Use 'Έχει' for Transport
When talking about buses, trains, or planes, always use 'έχει καθυστέρηση'. It sounds much more natural than 'είναι μια καθυστέρηση'.
Gender Matters
Remember 'καθυστέρηση' is feminine. If you use an adjective like 'big', it must be 'μεγάλη', not 'μεγάλο'.
The 'Sorry' Rule
In Greece, if you are less than 10 minutes late for a social meeting, a simple 'συγγνώμη για την καθυστέρηση' is polite but often met with 'σιγά, δεν πειράζει' (it's nothing).
Formal vs Informal
Use 'υπάρχει' for formal announcements and 'έχει' for talking to friends.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the article and the noun 'καθυστέρηση'.
Η πτήση μας έχει ______ ______ δύο ωρών.
Since 'καθυστέρηση' is a feminine noun, it requires the feminine indefinite article 'μια'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a professional email?
Πώς θα λέγατε ότι η αναφορά θα αργήσει;
This uses the formal 'υπάρξει' and the noun 'καθυστέρηση' correctly.
Match the Greek phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are common prepositional phrases using the noun.
Complete the dialogue between a passenger and a bus driver.
Επιβάτης: Γιατί αργήσατε τόσο; Οδηγός: Συγγνώμη, ______ ______ ______ στους δρόμους λόγω έργων.
The past tense 'υπήρχε' (there was) is most logical here as the delay already happened.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Late vs. Delay
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΗ πτήση μας έχει ______ ______ δύο ωρών.
Since 'καθυστέρηση' is a feminine noun, it requires the feminine indefinite article 'μια'.
Πώς θα λέγατε ότι η αναφορά θα αργήσει;
This uses the formal 'υπάρξει' and the noun 'καθυστέρηση' correctly.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are common prepositional phrases using the noun.
Επιβάτης: Γιατί αργήσατε τόσο; Οδηγός: Συγγνώμη, ______ ______ ______ στους δρόμους λόγω έργων.
The past tense 'υπήρχε' (there was) is most logical here as the delay already happened.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNot really. You wouldn't say 'Ο Γιώργος είναι μια καθυστέρηση'. You would say 'Ο Γιώργος καθυστέρησε' (George was delayed/late).
'Καθυστέρηση' is more general and technical. 'Αργοπορία' specifically refers to the act of a person being late.
You say 'Λυπάμαι για την καθυστέρηση' or 'Συγγνώμη για την καθυστέρηση'.
Yes, you can say 'Υπάρχει μια καθυστέρηση στη σύνδεση' (There is a delay/lag in the connection).
The plural is 'καθυστερήσεις' (kathisteriseis). Example: 'Πολλές καθυστερήσεις στα δρομολόγια'.
Yes, the verb is 'καθυστερώ' (to delay/be late). 'Καθυστερώ στη δουλειά' (I am late for work).
Yes, it is a neutral and polite way to explain a timing issue.
You say 'χωρίς καθυστέρηση'.
In a medical context, 'νοητική καθυστέρηση' is the term for intellectual disability, but use it with extreme caution as it can be offensive if used incorrectly.
It means a 'justified delay', often used in legal or work excuses.
Yes, 'είναι καθυστέρηση' works as a general statement, but 'είναι μια καθυστέρηση' is more common when referring to a specific instance.
Use the adjective 'μεγάλη' -> 'μεγάλη καθυστέρηση'.
Expressions liées
αργοπορία
synonymlateness / tardiness
αναβολή
similarpostponement
αναμονή
builds onwaiting / expectation
συνέπεια
contrastpunctuality / consistency
εκπρόθεσμος
specialized formoverdue / past the deadline
