Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn 遅く (osoku). It means late or slow. For example, if you wake up late, you say 'osoku'. If something moves slow, like a turtle, you can say 'osoku'. It is an adverb, so it tells us more about an action. Like, 'I eat slowly' is 'Watashi wa osoku tabemasu'. It's a useful word for talking about time!
The adverb 遅く (osoku) is used to describe actions that happen late or slowly. For instance, if you arrive at a friend's house after the agreed time, you could say you arrived 'osoku'. Similarly, if a car is driving at a low speed, it is moving 'osoku'. It's the adverbial form of the adjective 'osoi' (late/slow).
You can use it with many verbs. For example, 遅く寝る (osoku neru) means 'to sleep late'. Or 遅く走る (osoku hashiru) means 'to run slowly'. Understanding 'osoku' helps you describe timing and speed more precisely in your Japanese conversations.
遅く (osoku) is the adverbial form of 'osoi', meaning 'late' or 'slow'. It's used to modify verbs, providing detail about the timing or pace of an action. For example, 遅く起きます (osoku okimasu) translates to 'I wake up late'. This is common when discussing daily routines or punctuality.
In terms of speed, you might say a task is progressing 'osoku' if it's taking longer than expected. For instance, 「仕事の進みが遅くて困っています。」('Shigoto no susumi ga osokute komatte imasu.') – 'I'm having trouble because the work is progressing slowly.' It's a versatile word used in both personal and professional contexts to indicate a lack of promptness or speed.
The adverb 遅く (osoku), derived from the adjective 'osoi', signifies either a temporal delay ('late') or a reduced rate of action ('slowly'). Its usage is widespread, from describing personal schedules to the pace of events or processes. For example, arriving 'osoku' at an event implies tardiness, while a machine operating 'osoku' suggests inefficiency or mechanical issues.
Consider the nuance: saying someone speaks 'osoku' implies they talk slowly, perhaps requiring listeners to wait. In contrast, arriving 'osoku' at a party means you are late. The context clarifies whether it's about time or speed. Understanding this distinction is key to using 'osoku' effectively and avoiding miscommunication, especially in formal or time-sensitive situations.
遅く (osoku) functions as an adverb, modifying verbs to denote either a temporal lateness or a lack of velocity. Its application spans various registers, from casual conversation about daily schedules to more formal discussions of project timelines or performance metrics. For instance, a report being submitted 'osoku' indicates a delay beyond the deadline, while a system's response time being 'osoku' points to performance degradation.
The adverbial form allows for subtle expressions. Describing a process as 'osoku naru' (to become slow/late) often implies an undesirable development. In literary contexts, 'osoku' can be used poetically to evoke a sense of languor or delayed consequence. Mastering 'osoku' involves recognizing its dual meaning and applying it appropriately across different contexts, from everyday punctuality to the nuanced description of pace and timing in complex systems.
The adverbial form 遅く (osoku), derived from the adjective 'osoi', is a fundamental descriptor for temporal delay and reduced velocity in Japanese. Its etymological roots in the character 遅, signifying delay, underscore its core semantic field. Beyond its literal applications – such as arriving 'osoku' (late) or moving 'osoku' (slowly) – it permeates idiomatic expressions and nuanced descriptions.
In advanced usage, 'osoku' can carry connotations of missed opportunities or the gradual unfolding of events. For example, a 'late bloomer' is described using 'osozaki', linking the concept of lateness to development. The adverbial form allows for precise modification of verbs, enabling speakers to articulate complex ideas about timing, efficiency, and the perception of speed. Its mastery requires not only understanding the basic definitions but also appreciating its role in figurative language and its subtle implications in various socio-cultural contexts, from the rhythm of daily life to the pacing of historical change.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 遅く (osoku) is an adverb meaning 'late' or 'slowly'.
- It modifies verbs to describe timing or pace.
- Commonly used in phrases like 'osoku okiru' (wake up late) and 'osoku aruku' (walk slowly).
- The opposite of 早く (hayaku - early/fast).
Hey there! Let's dive into the word 遅く (osoku). This handy adverb is your go-to when you want to talk about things happening late or slowly. Think of it as the opposite of being early or fast! It's super versatile, so you'll find yourself using it in all sorts of everyday situations.
When we say something is 'osoku', we're usually modifying a verb to give it more detail. For example, if you sleep 'osoku', it means you slept in late. If you walk 'osoku', you're walking at a slow pace. It's all about adding that nuance of 'lateness' or 'slowness' to an action. Keep this one in your pocket – it's a real gem for expressing timing and speed!
The word 'osoku' (遅く) comes from the Japanese adjective 遅い (osoi), which means 'late' or 'slow'. The '-ku' ending is a classic way to turn i-adjectives into adverbs in Japanese. It's like adding '-ly' in English, but with its own unique grammatical flair!
The character 遅 itself has a long history, tracing back to ancient Chinese writings. It generally conveys the idea of 'delay' or 'slowness'. Over centuries, it made its way into Japanese, and its meaning has remained remarkably consistent. It's fascinating how a single character can carry such a clear concept through time!
Think about it: the concept of being late or slow is universal, right? Whether it's a slow-moving river or a late-arriving train, the need to describe these things is ancient. Japanese, with its character system and grammatical structures, developed 'osoi' and its adverbial form 'osoku' to perfectly capture these ideas. It’s a testament to the language’s ability to express subtle differences in time and speed.
So, how do we actually use 遅く (osoku)? It's pretty straightforward! You'll typically place it right before the verb it's describing. For example, 遅く起きました (osoku okimashita) means 'I woke up late'. See? It modifies the verb 'okimashita' (woke up).
It's also super common with verbs of movement. If you say 遅く歩く (osoku aruku), you mean 'to walk slowly'. And if you're talking about a process, like a computer program, you might say it's 遅く動く (osoku ugoku) – 'it runs slowly'.
In more formal settings, like business emails or reports, you might use it to describe delays. For instance, 納品が遅くなる (nouhin ga osoku naru) means 'the delivery will be delayed'. In casual chats with friends, you might say, 「ごめん、行くの遅くなっちゃった！」('Gomen, iku no osoku nacchatta!') – 'Sorry, I ended up being late to go!'. It’s all about context, but the core meaning of 'late' or 'slow' stays the same.
While 'osoku' itself isn't usually part of complex idioms, it often appears in common phrases that feel idiomatic because they're so frequently used. Think of them as set expressions!
One very common one is 遅くなる (osoku naru). This literally means 'to become late' and is used constantly when you're going to be tardy. For example, 「今日は遅くなります。」('Kyou wa osoku narimasu.') – 'I will be late today.'
Another useful phrase is 遅れをとる (okure o toru), which means 'to fall behind' or 'to be outdone'. While it uses a related word 'okure', the concept of slowness or lateness is key. Imagine a race: 「彼はライバルに遅れをとった。」('Kare wa raibaru ni okure o totta.') – 'He fell behind his rival.'
You might also hear 遅咲き (osozaki). This literally means 'late blooming' and is often used for people who achieve success or find their talent later in life, or for flowers that bloom late. It’s a beautiful way to describe something that takes its time!
Finally, consider 遅延 (chien), which means 'delay' (often used for trains or flights). While not an idiom using 'osoku', it's closely related in meaning. For example, 「電車の遅延で困っています。」('Densha no chien de komatte imasu.') – 'I'm having trouble because of a train delay.'
Grammatically, 遅く (osoku) is an adverb derived from the adjective 遅い (osoi). This transformation is super common in Japanese! You take the stem of the adjective (遅- / oso-) and add the adverbial ending -く (-ku).
Pronunciation-wise, 'osoku' is fairly straightforward. Let's break it down: O-SO-KU. The stress is pretty even across the syllables, but if anything, it might lean slightly on the 'SO' sound. Think 'oh-SOH-koo'.
For British English speakers, it sounds very much like 'o-SO-koo'. For American English speakers, it's also very similar, perhaps with a slightly quicker 'o' sound at the beginning: 'uh-SOH-koo'. The key is to keep the 'o' sounds pure, like in 'go', and the 'u' sound at the end like in 'book'.
There aren't really plural forms or countability issues with 'osoku' since it's an adverb modifying verbs. It just describes how an action is done. Rhyming words? That's a bit tricky in Japanese as it's not as common as in English, but words ending in '-oku' exist, like 'takusan' (たくさん - many/much) or 'hayaku' (早く - early/fast), though they don't necessarily rhyme perfectly.
Fun Fact
The character 遅 itself is composed of the radical '辶' (walk/step) and the phonetic component '娄' (which can imply slowness or difficulty). This visually suggests movement that is slow or delayed.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like uh-SO-koo, with the stress slightly on the second syllable.
Similar to British, uh-SAH-koo, with a soft 'ah' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'o' sounds like the 'o' in 'hot'. They should be pure 'oh' sounds.
- Adding an extra syllable or misplacing the stress.
- Pronouncing the final 'u' too strongly, making it sound like 'koo' instead of a softer 'koo'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read, common word.
Easy to write once the adverbial form is understood.
Easy to pronounce and use in basic sentences.
Commonly heard, easy to recognize.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective to Adverb Conversion (-i to -ku)
遅い (osoi) -> 遅く (osoku)
Verb Conjugation (Te-form)
遅く + て (te) -> 遅くて (osokute) - being late/slow and...
Using Adverbs with Verbs
Adverb placement before the verb.
Examples by Level
私は遅く起きます。
I / late / wake up.
Subject + Adverb + Verb
電車は遅く来ました。
Train / late / came.
Subject + Adverb + Verb
歩くのが遅くです。
Walking / is slow.
Noun + Particle + Adverb + Copula
彼は遅く食べます。
He / slowly / eats.
Subject + Adverb + Verb
時計は遅く動きます。
Clock / slowly / moves.
Subject + Adverb + Verb
宿題は遅く終わりました。
Homework / late / finished.
Subject + Adverb + Verb
返事が遅く来ました。
Reply / late / came.
Subject + Adverb + Verb
バスが遅く来ます。
Bus / late / comes.
Subject + Adverb + Verb
昨日、会議に遅く着きました。
Yesterday, / meeting / late / arrived.
Time + Location + Adverb + Verb
この仕事は遅く終わるでしょう。
This / work / slowly / finish / probably.
Subject + Adverb + Verb + Auxiliary
彼はいつも少し遅く起きます。
He / always / a little / late / wakes up.
Subject + Adverb + Adverb + Verb
もっと遅く話してください。
More / slowly / please speak.
Adverb + Adverb + Verb + Request
その映画は予想より遅く公開されました。
That / movie / than expected / late / released.
Subject + Comparison + Adverb + Verb
時計の針が遅く動いている。
Clock's / hands / slowly / moving.
Subject + Adverb + Verb
遅くとも明日の午前中には届くはずです。
Late / at the earliest / tomorrow / morning / within / arrive / should.
Adverbial Phrase + Time + Verb + Expectation
彼は競争に遅く参加した。
He / competition / late / participated.
Subject + Object + Adverb + Verb
約束の時間に遅く到着したので、皆に謝った。
Appointment / time / at / late / arrived / so, / everyone / apologized.
Time Clause + Adverb + Verb, Conjunction + Verb
この新しいソフトウェアは、前のバージョンより遅く動作する。
This / new / software / previous / version / than / slowly / operates.
Subject + Comparison + Adverb + Verb
彼は才能があるが、開花するのが遅かった。
He / talent / has, / bloom / doing / late / was.
Subject + Clause + Adverbial Phrase + Copula
遅くとも午後3時までにはご連絡いたします。
Late / at the latest / afternoon / 3 o'clock / by / contact / will do.
Adverbial Phrase + Time + Verb
彼女はゆっくりと、しかし遅くなく話した。
She / slowly / but / not late / spoke.
Subject + Adverb + Conjunction + Negation + Adverb + Verb
交通渋滞のため、予定より遅く出発することになった。
Traffic jam / due to, / plan / than / late / depart / decided.
Cause + Comparison + Adverb + Verb + Result
彼の反応は遅く、状況を理解するのに時間がかかった。
His / reaction / slow, / situation / understand / to / time / took.
Subject + Adverb + Verb, Clause + Verb
遅くまで起きていたので、朝起きるのがつらかった。
Late / until / stayed up, / morning / wake up / difficult was.
Adverbial Phrase + Verb, Clause + Verb
プロジェクトの遅延は、主にリソース不足が原因で、作業が遅く進んでいるためです。
Project's / delay / mainly / resources / lack / is cause / work / slowly / progressing / because.
Subject + Cause Clause + Result Clause
彼は新しい分野に挑戦するのが遅かったが、すぐに才能を開花させた。
He / new / field / challenge / doing / late / but, / quickly / talent / bloomed.
Subject + Adverbial Phrase + Conjunction + Verb
この地域では、インターネットの接続速度が遅く、業務に支障が出ています。
This / region / in, / internet / connection / speed / slow, / business / hindrance / is appearing.
Location + Subject + Adverb + Verb + Result
遅くとも明日の正午までには、最終的な決定を下す必要があります。
Late / at the latest / tomorrow / noon / by / final / decision / make / need.
Adverbial Phrase + Time + Verb + Necessity
彼のスピーチは遅く始まったが、聴衆を引き込む力があった。
His / speech / late / started / but, / audience / captivate / power / had.
Subject + Adverb + Verb + Conjunction + Clause
技術の進歩が遅く感じられるのは、我々が変化に慣れていないからかもしれない。
Technology's / progress / slow / feels / is, / we / change / accustomed / not / because / maybe.
Subject + Adverb + Verb + Clause + Conjecture
遅咲きの才能を持つ人々は、しばしば深い洞察力を持っている。
Late-blooming / talent / have / people / often / deep / insight / have.
Adjective Phrase + Noun + Verb, Adverb + Verb
会議の開始時刻に遅くとも5分前には到着するように心がけてください。
Meeting's / start / time / at / late / at the earliest / 5 minutes / before / arrive / try to.
Object + Adverbial Phrase + Verb + Request
景気後退の影響で、多くの企業の成長戦略は遅く、慎重なものとならざるを得なかった。
Economic recession's / impact / due to, / many / companies' / growth / strategies / slow, / cautious / ones / became / had to.
Cause Clause + Subject + Adverbial Adjective + Copula
彼の遅くとも深夜までには完了するという約束は、最終的に果たされなかった。
His / late / at the latest / midnight / by / complete / that / promise / ultimately / fulfilled / was not.
Subject + Adverbial Phrase + Verb + Object + Negation
その芸術家のキャリアは遅咲きだったが、その後の影響力は計り知れないものがある。
That / artist's / career / late-blooming / was, / after that / influence / immeasurable / thing / exists.
Subject + Adverbial Adjective + Copula, Clause + Verb
最新技術の導入が遅く、競争力が低下しているという懸念が表明された。
Latest / technology's / introduction / slow, / competitiveness / declining / is / concern / expressed / was.
Subject + Adverbial Adjective + Verb, Clause
彼は、物事を深く考察するため、しばしば他者よりも遅く結論に至る。
He, / things / deeply / consider / because, / often / others / than / late / conclusion / reaches.
Subject + Reason Clause + Adverb + Verb
遅くとも来週中には、この問題に対する最終的な解決策を見出す所存です。
Late / at the latest / next week / within / this / problem / towards / final / solution / find / intend.
Adverbial Phrase + Time + Object + Verb + Intention
その作家は、しばしば物語の展開を遅くし、読者の期待感を巧みに操る。
That / writer / often / story's / development / slow / makes, / reader's / anticipation / skillfully / manipulates.
Subject + Adverb + Verb + Object + Verb
彼の遅くとも午前中には到着するという確約は、結局果たされず、関係者を困惑させた。
His / late / at the latest / morning / by / arrive / that / firm promise / ultimately / fulfilled / was not, / stakeholders / confused / made.
Subject + Adverbial Phrase + Verb + Object + Negation, Clause
技術革新の速度が近年著しく速まる中で、一部の伝統産業は、その変化に追随するのが遅く、存続の危機に瀕している。
Technological innovation's / speed / in recent years / remarkably / accelerating / while, / some / traditional industries / that / change / follow / doing / late, / survival's / crisis / facing / are.
Temporal Clause + Subject + Adverbial Phrase + Verb + Clause
遅くとも次回の会議までには、この複雑な問題に対する実行可能な解決策を提示する義務がある。
Late / at the latest / next / meeting / until / this / complex / problem / towards / actionable / solution / present / obligation / have.
Adverbial Phrase + Time + Object + Verb + Obligation
彼の遅咲きの芸術的成功は、長年の不遇を乗り越えた粘り強さと、時代を超越した普遍的なテーマの探求の賜物であった。
His / late-blooming / artistic / success / long years / misfortune / overcame / persistence / and, / timeless / universal / themes' / exploration's / fruit / was.
Subject + Adverbial Adjective + Noun + Verb, Clause
グローバル化の波は、未だに多くの地域で経済構造の変革を遅くしており、地域間の格差を助長している側面もある。
Globalization's / wave / still / many / regions / in / economic structure's / transformation / slowing / is, / regional / gaps / exacerbating / aspect / also / exists.
Subject + Adverb + Clause + Clause
その哲学者によれば、真理の探求はしばしば直線的ではなく、遅く、迂回的なプロセスを経て成就される。
That / philosopher / according to, / truth's / pursuit / often / linear / not, / slow, / circuitous / process / through / achieved / is.
Subject + Clause + Adverbial Phrase + Verb
遅くとも年内には、この長期プロジェクトの最終段階に着手する予定であり、関係各所への周知徹底を図っております。
Late / at the latest / year-end / within / this / long-term / project's / final / phase / start / plan / is, / relevant parties / to / thorough dissemination / aiming / are.
Adverbial Phrase + Time + Object + Verb + Intention
彼女の文学作品は、意図的に物語の進行を遅くし、登場人物の内面心理の微細な描写に重点を置いている。
Her / literary works / intentionally / story's / progression / slow / makes, / characters' / inner psychology's / subtle / depiction / on / focus / places.
Subject + Adverb + Verb + Object + Verb
遅くとも明朝までには、この緊急事態に対応するための包括的な計画を策定し、関係部署に指示を出す所存です。
Late / at the latest / tomorrow morning / by / this / emergency situation / respond / for / comprehensive / plan / formulate, / relevant departments / to / instructions / issue / intend.
Adverbial Phrase + Time + Object + Verb + Clause
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"遅くなる (osoku naru)"
To become late; to be late.
今日は仕事が終わるのが<strong>遅くなる</strong>から、夕食は外で食べるね。
neutral"遅れをとる (okure o toru)"
To fall behind; to be outdone.
最新技術の導入で他社に<strong>遅れをとらない</strong>ようにしなければならない。
neutral/formal"遅咲き (osozaki)"
Late bloomer; something that achieves success or recognition later than usual.
彼は40歳を過ぎてから作家として<strong>遅咲き</strong>の成功を収めた。
neutral"遅延する (chien suru)"
To be delayed (often used for transportation, schedules, etc.).
悪天候のため、フライトが<strong>遅延する</strong>見込みです。
formal"遅刻する (chikoku suru)"
To be late for school, work, or an appointment.
寝坊して、会社に<strong>遅刻してしまった</strong>。
neutral"遅ればせながら (okurebasenagara)"
Belatedly; late but...
<strong>遅ればせながら</strong>、お誕生日おめでとうございます！
neutral/politeEasily Confused
Both mean 'slowly' and are adverbs modifying verbs.
ゆっくり implies a relaxed, unhurried pace, often positive or neutral. 遅く often implies a lack of speed that is noticeable, potentially negative, or simply indicates being behind schedule.
「<strong>ゆっくり</strong>お茶を飲んでください。」(Please drink tea leisurely.) vs. 「バスが<strong>遅く</strong>来て困った。」(The bus came late and it was troublesome.)
Both are adverbs related to time/speed and share the same pronunciation 'hayaku'.
早く (速く) means 'fast' or 'quickly', the direct opposite of 遅く (slowly). 早く (早く) also means 'early', the opposite of 遅く (late).
「<strong>早く</strong>起きてください。」(Please wake up early.) vs. 「<strong>遅く</strong>起きたので、遅刻した。」(I woke up late, so I was tardy.)
遅く is derived directly from 遅い.
遅い (osoi) is an adjective (e.g., 遅い車 - slow car). 遅く (osoku) is the adverb form used to modify verbs (e.g., 遅く走る - run slowly).
「この時計は<strong>遅い</strong>。」(This clock is slow/behind.) vs. 「時計が<strong>遅く</strong>動いている。」(The clock is moving slowly.)
Both relate to being late.
遅刻 (chikoku) is a noun meaning 'tardiness'. 遅く (osoku) is the adverb describing the action of being late or slow.
「<strong>遅刻</strong>しました。」(I was late - noun used with suru verb) vs. 「会議に<strong>遅く</strong>着いた。」(I arrived late at the meeting - adverb modifying verb).
Sentence Patterns
Subject + は/が + 遅く + Verb
猫は<strong>遅く</strong>歩く。(Neko wa <strong>osoku</strong> aruku.) - The cat walks slowly.
Subject + は/が + 遅く + Verb + なる (naru)
電車は<strong>遅く</strong>なった。(Densha wa <strong>osoku</strong> natta.) - The train became late.
Time + に + 遅く + Verb
朝<strong>遅く</strong>起きた。(Asa <strong>osoku</strong> okita.) - I woke up late in the morning.
遅くとも + Time/Date + までには + Verb
<strong>遅くとも</strong>金曜日までには返事します。(<strong>Osoku tomo</strong> kinyoubi made ni wa henji shimasu.) - I will reply by Friday at the latest.
Adverbial phrase + 遅く + Verb
彼はいつも少し<strong>遅く</strong>話す。(Kare wa itsumo sukoshi <strong>osoku</strong> hanasu.) - He always speaks a bit slowly.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8/10
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
遅い (osoi) is an adjective, while 遅く (osoku) is the adverb form used to modify verbs like 'arukimasu' (walk).
速く (hayaku) means fast, while 遅く (osoku) means slow. They are direct opposites in this context.
遅刻 (chikoku) is a noun meaning 'lateness'. To describe arriving late, use the adverb 遅く (osoku).
While 遅く can mean 'slowly', ゆっくり often implies a more relaxed or comfortable pace, especially when inviting someone to eat or relax.
While 遅く often means 'late' temporally, it can also mean 'slowly' physically. Context is key. Here, 'woke up late' is the temporal meaning.
Tips
Sound Association
Remember 'osoku' sounds like 'Oh, so slow!' This helps link the sound to the meaning of slowness.
Verb Modification
Place 遅く directly before the verb it modifies to describe how the action is performed (late or slowly).
Punctuality Matters
In Japan, punctuality is highly valued. Use 遅く appropriately and apologize if you are late using phrases like 遅くなります (osoku narimasu).
Adverb Formation
Learn the pattern: Adjective stem + く (-ku) = Adverb. For 遅い (osoi), it becomes 遅く (osoku).
Pure Vowels
Focus on clear, pure 'o' sounds (like in 'go') and a soft 'u' at the end for accurate pronunciation.
Adjective vs. Adverb
Don't use the adjective 遅い (osoi) directly before a verb. Use the adverb 遅く (osoku) instead.
Character Clues
The kanji 遅 has a 'walk' radical, hinting at movement and time.
Contextual Practice
Instead of just memorizing, try writing sentences about your own day using 遅く (e.g., 'I woke up late', 'I walked slowly').
Distinguish from ゆっくり
Remember ゆっくり implies a relaxed pace, while 遅く can imply a problematic slowness or lateness.
'At the latest' Phrase
Memorize 遅くとも (osoku tomo) for expressing deadlines.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Oh, so slow!' when you see 遅く. The 'Oh, so...' sounds like 'osoku'.
Visual Association
Imagine a very slow-moving turtle (a classic symbol of slowness) with the letters 'OSOKU' written on its shell.
Word Web
Challenge
Try describing three things you did today that were 'osoku' (late) or done 'osoku' (slowly).
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: The character 遅 originally meant 'slow' or 'delayed'. The adverbial form -ku was added to the adjective 遅い (osoi).
Cultural Context
While 'osoku' itself isn't sensitive, consistently being late in Japanese culture can be viewed negatively, as punctuality is generally appreciated. However, Japanese culture also values politeness, so apologizing sincerely (e.g., 遅くなります - osoku narimasu) is important if you are late.
In English-speaking cultures, punctuality is often highly valued, especially in business. Being late can be seen as disrespectful. However, the degree of importance varies.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Daily Routines
- 遅く起きる (osoku okiru) - To wake up late
- 遅く寝る (osoku neru) - To go to bed late
- 遅く食べる (osoku taberu) - To eat late/slowly
Transportation
- 電車が遅く来た (densha ga osoku kita) - The train came late
- バスに遅く乗る (basu ni osoku noru) - To get on the bus late
- 遅延証明書 (chien shoumeisho) - Certificate of delay (related concept)
Work/Study
- 仕事が遅く終わる (shigoto ga osoku owaru) - Work finishes late
- 授業に遅く入る (jugyou ni osoku hairu) - To enter class late
- 進みが遅い (susumi ga osoi) - Progress is slow (using adjective)
Describing Pace
- 遅く歩く (osoku aruku) - To walk slowly
- 遅く話す (osoku hanasu) - To speak slowly
- 遅く動く (osoku ugoku) - To move slowly
Conversation Starters
"今日の予定はどう？遅く始まるものとかある？ (Kyou no yotei wa dou? Osoku hajimaru mono toka aru?) - How are your plans today? Anything starting late?"
"昨日、何時に寝た？遅く寝た？ (Kinou, nanji ni neta? Osoku neta?) - What time did you go to bed yesterday? Did you go to bed late?"
"この作業、遅く進んでない？何か手伝えることある？ (Kono sagyou, osoku susundeinai? Nanika tetsudaeru koto aru?) - Isn't this work progressing slowly? Is there anything I can help with?"
"約束の時間に遅く着きそうなんだけど、どうしよう？ (Yakusoku no jikan ni osoku tsukisou nan dakedo, doushiyou?) - It looks like I'm going to be late for our appointment, what should I do?"
"最近、時間の進み方が遅く感じる時ってある？ (Saikin, jikan no susumikata ga osoku kanjiru toki tte aru?) - Do you ever feel like time is passing slowly lately?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you woke up late. What happened?
Write about a task that took you a long time to complete. Why was it so slow?
Think about your commute. Is it usually fast or slow? Use 'osoku' to describe it.
Describe a person you know who tends to do things slowly. Use 'osoku' in your description.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsWhile both mean 'slowly', 遅く often implies a delay or being behind schedule, or a lack of speed that might be problematic. ゆっくり suggests a more relaxed, unhurried, or comfortable pace, often used for leisure or deliberate actions.
Yes! It's very common. For example, 遅く起きる (osoku okiru) means 'to wake up late'.
It can be used for both! You can say a person walks 遅く (slowly) or that a computer runs 遅く (slowly).
You can use the phrase 遅くとも (osoku tomo). For example, 遅くとも明日には (osoku tomo ashita ni wa) means 'by tomorrow at the latest'.
The main opposites are 早く (hayaku) for 'early/fast' and 速く (hayaku) for 'fast/quickly'.
It's an adverb. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. The related adjective is 遅い (osoi).
Yes. For example, 遅く歩かないでください (osoku arukaide kudasai) means 'Please don't walk slowly'.
遅刻 (chikoku) is a noun specifically meaning 'tardiness' or 'being late for an appointment/work/school'. You say 遅刻する (chikoku suru - to be late), whereas 遅く (osoku) is the adverb describing the action of being late or slow.
Test Yourself
I woke up ____ this morning.
The sentence implies waking up after the usual time, so 'late' is the correct adverb.
Which word means 'slowly'?
遅く (osoku) is the adverb for 'slowly' or 'late'.
The phrase 'osoku naru' means 'to become fast'.
'Osoku naru' means 'to become late' or 'to become slow'.
Word
Meaning
These pairs show common uses of 'osoku'.
The correct sentence is '今日の仕事は遅く終わる' (Kyou no shigoto wa osoku owaru) - Today's work will finish late/slowly.
The train was delayed, so I arrived ______.
Arriving late due to a delay requires the adverb 'osoku'.
Which phrase best describes a 'late bloomer' in a career?
'Osozaki' specifically refers to achieving success late in life.
'Osoku tomo' means 'at the earliest'.
'Osoku tomo' means 'at the latest'. The opposite is 'hayaku tomo' (at the earliest).
The project's progress felt ______ due to unforeseen issues.
Unforeseen issues typically cause delays or slow progress, fitting the meaning of 'osoku'.
Create a sentence using 'osoku' to describe a slow process.
This sentence correctly uses 'osoku' to describe the slow response time of a system.
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering 遅く (osoku) allows you to precisely describe actions that are either delayed in time or lacking in speed.
- 遅く (osoku) is an adverb meaning 'late' or 'slowly'.
- It modifies verbs to describe timing or pace.
- Commonly used in phrases like 'osoku okiru' (wake up late) and 'osoku aruku' (walk slowly).
- The opposite of 早く (hayaku - early/fast).
Sound Association
Remember 'osoku' sounds like 'Oh, so slow!' This helps link the sound to the meaning of slowness.
Verb Modification
Place 遅く directly before the verb it modifies to describe how the action is performed (late or slowly).
Punctuality Matters
In Japan, punctuality is highly valued. Use 遅く appropriately and apologize if you are late using phrases like 遅くなります (osoku narimasu).
Adverb Formation
Learn the pattern: Adjective stem + く (-ku) = Adverb. For 遅い (osoi), it becomes 遅く (osoku).
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
