It is the standard verb used to express that you are running behind schedule or missing a deadline.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To be behind the scheduled time.
- Commonly used for appointments and deadlines.
- Standard verb for expressing tardiness.
Overview
- 1概要：「遅れます」は、予定された時刻や期限よりも後ろにずれることを指す動詞です。日常会話からビジネスシーンまで、非常に頻繁に使用されます。2) 使用パターン：主に「時間に遅れる（待ち合わせなど）」「仕事に遅れる（締め切りなど）」という形で使われます。また、「会議に遅れます」のように、場所やイベントに対しても使われます。3) 一般的な文脈：友人との待ち合わせに遅れる際の謝罪や、交通機関の遅延報告、あるいは仕事の納期が守れないことを伝える際に使われます。相手に迷惑をかける可能性があるため、丁寧語（遅れます）で伝えるのが一般的です。4) 類語との比較：「遅延します」は主に鉄道やシステムなどの公的な遅れに使われる硬い表現です。「遅れます」は個人の行動や一般的な事象に対して広く使われます。
Examples
電車が遅れています。
everydayThe train is delayed.
会議に遅れます。申し訳ありません。
formalI will be late for the meeting. I am sorry.
ごめん、5分遅れる！
informalSorry, I'll be 5 minutes late!
提出期限に遅れます。
academicI will be late for the submission deadline.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
遅れてすみません
I am sorry for being late.
少し遅れます
I will be a little late.
Often Confused With
This is a formal, technical term used primarily for public transportation or systems, whereas 'okureru' is used for people and general situations.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'okuremasu' (polite form) for most social interactions. In very formal business contexts, consider using 'okureru mikomi desu' to soften the impact. Always include an apology when informing someone of a delay.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the particle 'o' instead of 'ni' (e.g., 'kaigi o okuremasu' is wrong). Remember that 'okureru' is an intransitive verb. It does not take a direct object.
Tips
Use with ni particle
Always use the particle 'ni' to indicate the target event or time you are late for. For example, 'Kaigi ni okuremasu' (I will be late for the meeting).
Avoid for formal apologies
If you are very late for a formal event, simply saying 'okuremasu' might be too casual. Add an apology like 'moushiwake arimasen' before it.
Punctuality in Japan
Japanese culture values punctuality highly. Even a few minutes of delay often requires an apology.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'okureru' (to lag behind), which has roots in the concept of losing one's place in a sequence.
Cultural Context
Punctuality is a cornerstone of Japanese social etiquette. Being late is often seen as a sign of disrespect, so 'okuremasu' is a word you will use frequently with an apology.
Memory Tip
Think of 'O-Kure' sounding like 'Oh, clear the way, I'm late!' It helps connect the sound to the feeling of rushing.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「遅れます」は時間全般に対して使えますが、「遅刻します」は学校や会社など、特定の開始時間に間に合わない場合のみに使います。
「遅れます」でも丁寧ですが、よりフォーマルには「到着が遅れる見込みです」や「遅刻いたします」と表現するとより適切です。
「電車が遅れています」と言います。この場合、「遅れる」は状態を表す言葉として使われます。
過去形は「遅れました」となります。既に遅れてしまった事実を伝える際に使用します。
Test Yourself
約束の時間___遅れます。
遅れる対象を示す場合は「に」を使います。
次のうち、正しい表現はどれですか？
「〜に遅れる」が正しい文法構造です。
（ 電車 / 遅れます / で / ）
この場合、「電車」が主語になるため「が」を使います。
Score: /3
Summary
It is the standard verb used to express that you are running behind schedule or missing a deadline.
- To be behind the scheduled time.
- Commonly used for appointments and deadlines.
- Standard verb for expressing tardiness.
Use with ni particle
Always use the particle 'ni' to indicate the target event or time you are late for. For example, 'Kaigi ni okuremasu' (I will be late for the meeting).
Avoid for formal apologies
If you are very late for a formal event, simply saying 'okuremasu' might be too casual. Add an apology like 'moushiwake arimasen' before it.
Punctuality in Japan
Japanese culture values punctuality highly. Even a few minutes of delay often requires an apology.
Examples
4 of 4電車が遅れています。
The train is delayed.
会議に遅れます。申し訳ありません。
I will be late for the meeting. I am sorry.
ごめん、5分遅れる！
Sorry, I'll be 5 minutes late!
提出期限に遅れます。
I will be late for the submission deadline.
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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
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