A1 Expression 중립

遅いです

osoi desu

It's slow/late

Phrase in 30 Seconds

Use {遅い|おそい} to describe something that is behind schedule, slow in speed, or happening later than expected.

  • Means: Slow, late, or behind schedule.
  • Used in: Describing people, trains, or responses.
  • Don't confuse: {遅い|おそい} (adjective) with {遅れる|おくれる} (verb).
Clock + Snail = {遅い|おそい}

Explanation at your level:

This word means slow or late. You use it when something is not fast or happens after the time you expected.
It functions as an i-adjective. You can use it to describe objects, like a slow train, or abstract situations, like being late for a meeting.
Beyond physical speed, it is used to express frustration with delays in communication or processes. It is essential for navigating social expectations regarding time in Japan.
The nuance shifts based on context. While it denotes objective slowness, it often carries a subjective judgment. Understanding the distinction between the adjective and the verb {遅れる|おくれる} is crucial for natural speech.
Linguistically, it represents a temporal deviation from the norm. It is often employed in idiomatic expressions regarding missed opportunities, where the lateness implies a permanent state of failure.
It serves as a marker of temporal perception. In cognitive linguistics, it reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on synchronization within a group, where any deviation from the expected tempo is marked as {遅い|おそい}.

뜻

To describe something as not quick or happening behind schedule.

🌍

문화적 배경

Punctuality is a sign of respect. Being 'slow' to arrive is often seen as a failure of character. In international business, 'slow' communication can be interpreted as a lack of interest.

💡

Adjective vs Verb

Remember: {遅い|おそい} is for speed, {遅れる|おくれる} is for time.

뜻

To describe something as not quick or happening behind schedule.

💡

Adjective vs Verb

Remember: {遅い|おそい} is for speed, {遅れる|おくれる} is for time.

셀프 테스트

Select the correct usage.

The train is slow.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: 電車が{遅い|おそい}です。

Use the adjective for describing the train's speed.

🎉 점수: /1

시각 학습 자료

자주 묻는 질문

1 질문

Only if you mean they are slow in movement, not late for a meeting.

관련 표현

🔗

{遅れる|おくれる}

specialized form

To be late

🔗

{遅刻|ちこく}

builds on

Lateness/Tardiness

어디서 쓸까?

⌚

Waiting for a friend

A: まだ？

B: ごめん、電車が{遅い|おそい}んだ。

informal
💻

Tech support

User: パソコンがとても{遅い|おそい}です。

Staff: 確認します。

neutral

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Slow-y' (Oso-i) snail moving across your screen.

Visual Association

A clock with melting hands, moving very slowly.

Rhyme

The train is slow, I say 'Oso-i', I'm late for the show, oh my oh my.

Story

Kenji waited for the bus. The bus was very {遅い|おそい}. He checked his watch and sighed. It was already {遅い|おそい} at night.

Word Web

遅れる遅刻速い時間急ぐ遅すぎる

챌린지

For one day, count how many times you encounter something 'slow' and label it {遅い|おそい}.

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Lento

Japanese has a specific verb for 'to be late' that is distinct from the adjective 'slow'.

French high

Lent

French uses a prepositional phrase for lateness, while Japanese uses a specific verb.

German high

Langsam

German has more complex adverbial structures for speed.

Japanese self

{遅い|おそい}

Adjective vs Verb.

Arabic moderate

بطيء (Bati')

Arabic separates speed and lateness into completely different roots.

Easily Confused

遅いです 대 {遅い|おそい} vs {遅れる|おくれる}

Learners use the adjective for people.

Use {遅い|おそい} for speed, {遅れる|おくれる} for being late.

자주 묻는 질문 (1)

Only if you mean they are slow in movement, not late for a meeting.

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