Explanation at your level:
Hello! 'Osoku' (遅く) is a word that helps you talk about time. It means late. For example, if you wake up late, you can say 'osoku okimashita'. It can also mean slowly. If something is moving very slowly, like a turtle, you can say it's moving 'osoku'. It's a simple word to describe when things happen or how fast they move. You can use it to say 'I will be late' (osoku narimasu) or 'The bus is slow' (basu wa osoku hashiru).
Okay, let's talk about 'osoku' (遅く). This is an adverb, which means it describes a verb (an action). It has two main meanings: late and slowly. You use it when you want to say that an action happens at a later time than expected, or when an action is done in a slow manner.
For example, if you arrive at school late, you can say 'Gakkou ni osoku tsukimashita' (学校に遅く着きました). If a game is going slowly, you might say 'Gēmu ga osoku susunde imasu' (ゲームが遅く進んでいます). It's a very common word for describing timing and speed in everyday conversations.
'Osoku' (遅く) is a versatile Japanese adverb derived from the adjective 'osoi' (遅い). Its primary meanings are late and slowly. You'll use 'osoku' to modify verbs, indicating that an action occurs at a later time than usual or is carried out at a slow pace.
Consider these common uses: 'Osoku okiru' (遅く起きる) means 'to wake up late'. 'Osoku naru' (遅くなる) is a very useful phrase meaning 'to become late' or 'to be late'. If you're running behind schedule, you might say 'Osoku narimasu' (遅くなります). When describing a slow process, like a computer loading, you could say 'Konsōru ga osoku natta' (コンピューターが遅くなった - The computer became slow).
'Osoku' (遅く) functions as an adverb, modifying verbs to express lateness in time or slowness in pace. Its dual meaning makes it essential for nuanced communication. When referring to time, it implies arriving or happening after the expected or usual time.
For instance, 'Osoku made hataraite imasu' (遅くまで働いています) means 'I am working until late'. In terms of speed, 'Osoku natta' (遅くなった) can refer to something becoming slow. It's important to distinguish its adverbial use from the adjective 'osoi'. For example, 'Osoku kita densha' (遅く来た電車) means 'The train that arrived late', where 'osoku' modifies the verb 'kita' (came).
Pay attention to context: 'Osoku naru' can mean 'to become late' (e.g., for an appointment) or 'to become slow' (e.g., a process). Understanding this distinction is key to accurate usage.
'Osoku' (遅く), the adverbial form of 'osoi' (遅い), offers a spectrum of meanings related to temporal delay and reduced velocity. Beyond its literal translations of 'late' and 'slowly', it can imply a lack of punctuality, a gradual progression, or even a delay in development or understanding.
In academic or professional contexts, 'osoku naru' (遅くなる) might signify a delay in project completion or a slower-than-anticipated market response. Figuratively, it could describe a mind that processes information slowly. Consider the phrase 'Osoku natta keredo, yatto rikai dekita' (遅くなったけれど、やっと理解できた - It took a long time, but I finally understood). This usage highlights a cognitive slowness or a delayed realization.
The adverbial form allows for subtle distinctions. While 'osoi' might describe a late train, 'osoku' describes *how* it arrived – 'osoku tsuita' (遅く着いた - arrived late). This grammatical flexibility enables precise expression of temporal and kinetic qualities.
'Osoku' (遅く) represents the adverbial inflection of the adjective 'osoi' (遅い), denoting temporal tardiness or kinetic sluggishness. Its semantic range extends from literal lateness and slowness to more abstract concepts of delayed causality, gradual development, or even cognitive latency.
In classical Japanese literature or formal discourse, 'osoku' might be employed to evoke a sense of prolonged duration or a deliberate, unhurried pace. For example, a description of a journey might use 'osoku' to emphasize the arduous, time-consuming nature of the travel. Furthermore, it can be used to describe phenomena that manifest belatedly, such as the delayed onset of symptoms or the slow recognition of a trend.
The nuanced application of 'osoku' is evident in its capacity to modify a wide array of verbs, allowing for intricate descriptions of processes, events, and states. Its usage can range from the mundane—'Osoku okimashita' (遅く起きました - I woke up late)—to the profound, describing the slow unfolding of historical events or the gradual maturation of ideas. Mastery of 'osoku' involves appreciating its contextual elasticity and its role in conveying subtle temporal and kinematic information.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Osoku (遅く) is a Japanese adverb meaning 'late' or 'slowly'.
- It's the adverbial form of the adjective 'osoi' (遅い).
- Used to describe actions happening at a later time or at a slower pace.
- Common in daily conversation for apologies, describing progress, and timing.
Hey there! Let's dive into the word 'osoku' (遅く). This is a super useful Japanese adverb that basically means late or slowly. Think about it: sometimes things happen a bit behind schedule, right? That's when you'd use 'osoku' for 'late'. Or maybe something is moving at a snail's pace – you guessed it, that's 'osoku' for 'slowly'!
It's the adverbial form of the adjective 'osoi' (遅い), which also means late or slow. When you want to describe *how* an action is done, you switch to the adverb form. So, instead of saying 'the train is late' (densha wa osoi desu), you might say 'the train arrived late' (densha wa osoku kimashita). It's all about adding that extra bit of detail to your sentences!
The word 'osoku' comes directly from the Japanese adjective 'osoi' (遅い). This adjective has been around for a very long time in the Japanese language, with its roots tracing back to ancient Japanese. The character '遅' itself carries the meaning of 'late' or 'slow'.
Historically, describing lateness or slowness was crucial for many aspects of life, from agricultural cycles to social etiquette. The evolution of the language allowed for different forms to express these concepts more precisely. The adverbial form 'osoku' emerged as a way to modify verbs, giving speakers more flexibility in describing the timing and speed of actions. It's a great example of how languages develop specific grammatical forms to convey nuanced meanings.
You'll find 'osoku' used in a variety of situations, both formal and casual. The key is to remember it describes *how* an action is performed. If you wake up late, you might say 'asa, osoku okimashita' (朝、遅く起きました - I woke up late in the morning). If a project is progressing slowly, you could say 'purojekuto ga osoku susunde imasu' (プロジェクトが遅く進んでいます - The project is progressing slowly).
Common collocations include verbs like 'kuru' (来る - to come), 'iku' (行く - to go), 'okiru' (起きる - to wake up), 'susumu' (進む - to proceed), and 'narimasu' (なります - to become). For instance, 'osoku naru' (遅くなる) means 'to become late'. When talking about time, it's often paired with specific times, like 'shichi-ji osoku made' (七時遅くまで - until late after 7 o'clock).
In more formal settings, like business meetings, you might use it to apologize for being late: 'Oosoku narimasuite, moushiwake arimasen' (遅くなる, 申し訳ありません - I am sorry for being late). In casual conversation with friends, it's more straightforward: 'Gomen, osoku naru!' (ごめん、遅くなる！ - Sorry, I'll be late!).
While 'osoku' itself is quite direct, it appears in phrases that carry idiomatic weight. These expressions often add a layer of cultural understanding or emotional context.
- 遅くとも (osokutomo): This means 'at the latest' or 'even if it's late'. It emphasizes a deadline or the latest possible time. Example: Raishuu no getsuyoubi osokutomo ni shunikku o dasu. (来週の月曜日遅くともに shutil を出す - I will submit the report by next Monday at the latest.)
- 遅くとも〜までには (osokutomo ~ made ni wa): Similar to the above, this phrase means 'by ~ at the latest'. It's used to set a firm, albeit late, deadline. Example: Konban no juuni-ji made ni wa owarasete kudasai. (今晩の十二時までには終わらせてください - Please finish it by midnight tonight at the latest.)
- 遅くとも〜から (osokutomo ~ kara): This means 'from ~ onwards, at the earliest' or 'at the latest from ~'. It can sometimes be confusing, but often implies a late start. Example: Kono densha wa go-ji osokutomo kara hashirimasu. (この電車は五時遅くともから走ります - This train will run from 5 o'clock onwards, at the earliest.)
- 遅くとも〜頃 (osokutomo ~ goro): This means 'around ~ at the latest'. It's used for approximate times when something is expected. Example: Ashita no san-ji osokutomo goro ni wa tsuukimasu. (明日の三時遅くとも頃には着きます - I will arrive around 3 PM tomorrow at the latest.)
- 遅くとも〜時 (osokutomo ~ ji): This is a straightforward way to say 'at ~ o'clock at the latest'. Example: Shichi-ji osokutomo ni wa kaerimashou. (七時遅くともには帰りましょう - Let's go home by 7 o'clock at the latest.)
These expressions help you communicate deadlines and timing more precisely in Japanese.
As an adverb, 'osoku' modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. It's formed by taking the stem of the adjective 'osoi' (遅い), which is 'oso-', and adding the adverbial suffix '-ku'. So, 遅い (osoi) becomes 遅く (osoku).
Pronunciation: The pronunciation is straightforward. Break it down: O-SO-KU. Each syllable is pronounced clearly. The 'o' sound is like the 'o' in 'go', the 'so' is like the English word 'so', and the 'ku' is like the 'cu' in 'cucumber'.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet):
- Japanese: /o̞so̞kɯ̟ᵝ/
There isn't really a British vs. American distinction for Japanese pronunciation in the same way there is for English. The pronunciation is consistent.
Rhyming words: While direct rhymes are less common in Japanese due to its syllable structure, words ending in '-oku' might sound similar. Examples include 'takusan' (たくさん - many/much, though not a perfect rhyme), 'shokku' (ショック - shock), and 'honki' (本気 - seriousness, not a rhyme but similar vowel sounds).
Stress Patterns: Japanese is a pitch-accent language, not a stress-accent language like English. In 'osoku', the pitch tends to be relatively flat or have a slight rise on the 'so' syllable depending on the dialect, but it's not a strong stress.
Fun Fact
The concept of 'lateness' has always been important in Japanese culture, influencing everything from train schedules to social etiquette. The adverbial form 'osoku' allows for precise expression of these temporal nuances.
Pronunciation Guide
The pronunciation is consistent. The 'o' is like in 'go', 'so' is like the English word 'so', and 'ku' is like the 'cu' in 'cucumber'. Japanese uses pitch accent, not stress accent.
Identical to UK pronunciation. Focus on clear syllable pronunciation: O-SO-KU.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'ku' too strongly like in English 'cook'. It should be softer.
- Adding unnecessary stress to syllables instead of maintaining a more even pitch.
- Making the vowel sounds too short or indistinct.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand in context, but nuances require practice.
Requires understanding the difference between adjective/adverb forms and context.
Commonly used, but mastering nuances takes time.
Easily recognizable when spoken.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective to Adverb Conversion (-i to -ku)
遅い (osoi) -> 遅く (osoku)
Using Adverbs to Modify Verbs
Adverb + Verb structure.
Expressing Future Actions/States with 'narimasu'
遅くなります (osoku narimasu) - Will become late.
Examples by Level
Gomen, osoku narimashita.
Sorry, late became.
'Narimashita' is the past tense of 'narimasu' (to become).
Asa, osoku okimashita.
Morning, late woke up.
Adverbs often come before the verb they modify.
Basu ga osoku kimasu.
Bus late comes.
'Kimasu' means 'to come'.
Pan ga osoku yakedo shimashita.
Bread slowly burned.
'Yakedo shimashita' means 'burned'.
Kare wa osoku tabemasu.
He slowly eats.
'Tabemasu' means 'to eat'.
Mise ga osoku akimasu.
Store late opens.
'Akimasu' means 'to open'.
Shigoto ga osoku owarimasu.
Work late finishes.
'Owarimasu' means 'to finish'.
Densha wa osoku hashitte imasu.
Train slowly is running.
'Hashitte imasu' means 'is running'.
Gomen, osoku narimashita.
Sorry, late became.
Past tense of 'narimasu'.
Asa, osoku okimashita.
Morning, late woke up.
Describes the manner of waking up.
Basu ga osoku kimasu.
Bus late comes.
Indicates the timing of the bus's arrival.
Kare wa osoku tabemasu.
He slowly eats.
Describes the speed of eating.
Mise ga osoku akimasu.
Store late opens.
Describes the opening time.
Shigoto ga osoku owarimasu.
Work late finishes.
Indicates the time of completion.
Densha wa osoku hashitte imasu.
Train slowly is running.
Describes the speed of the train.
Kono hon wa osoku yomimasu.
This book slowly read.
Describes the reading pace.
Gomen nasai, osoku narimasu.
Sorry, late will become.
Future tense, polite form.
Kinou wa osoku okite shimaimashita.
Yesterday late woke up ended up.
'Shimaimashita' adds a nuance of regret or completion.
Kono densha wa itsumo osoku kimasu.
This train always late comes.
Describes a habitual lateness.
Shokuji ga osoku natta node, terebi o mimashita.
Meal late became because, TV watched.
Connects lateness to another action.
Eiga wa go-ji osoku ni hajimaru.
Movie 5 o'clock late at starts.
Specifies a late start time.
Shigoto ga osoku owatta kara, issho ni gohan o tabemasen.
Work late finished because, together meal eat not.
Shows a consequence of finishing work late.
Kare no hanashi wa osoku rikai dekiru.
His story slowly understand can.
Describes slow comprehension.
Purojekuto no susumi ga osoku natte iru.
Project's progress slow becoming is.
Describes the pace of a project.
Shitsurei shimasu. Osoku narimashita.
Excuse me. Late became.
Polite apology for lateness in a formal setting.
Mainichi osoku okiru no wa, chotto komatte imasu.
Every day late wake up is, a little troubling is.
Expresses a personal issue related to waking up late.
Kono jikan ni basu ga kuru to wa, osoku naru hō desu ne.
This time bus comes that, late becomes way is, isn't it.
Expresses surprise at the lateness of something.
Osoku natta ga, yatto shigoto o oeru koto ga dekita.
Late became but, finally work finish was able to.
Indicates accomplishment despite a late finish.
Kono hen de ichiban osoku akimasu.
This area in most late opens.
Used for comparison, indicating the latest opening time.
Shiken no kekka ga osoku happyō sareta.
Exam's results late announced were.
Passive voice, indicating a delayed announcement.
Kare no hanashi wa nagakute, rikai ga osoku naru.
His story long and, understanding slow becomes.
Describes difficulty in comprehension due to length.
Seichō ga osoku natta nōgyō.
Growth slow became agriculture.
Describes a slow growth process in agriculture.
Shitsurei itashimasu. Osoku narimashita koto, o-wabi mōshiagemasu.
Excuse me do. Late became fact, apology offer.
Highly formal apology for lateness in a business context.
Jūrai no seikatsu rhythm ga osoku natta yue, asa no shigoto ni okurete shimau.
Traditional life rhythm slow became reason, morning's work to fall behind end up.
Discusses lifestyle changes affecting punctuality.
Kono kaijō de wa, sono jikan ni tsuita densha wa osoku naru hō da.
This station at, that time arrived train late becomes way is.
Expresses a general observation about the train's lateness at a specific location.
Osoku natta ga, kono mondai no honshitsu o rikai suru koto ga dekita.
Late became but, this problem's essence understand was able to.
Highlights a delayed but profound understanding.
Kono chiiki de wa, kare ga ichiban osoku made mise o agete iru.
This area in, he most late until shop opens.
Indicates the latest operating hours in a specific area.
Shōhin no shukkō ga osoku naru de, uketorinin ni meiwaku o kakeru.
Product's shipment slow becomes because, recipient trouble cause.
Explains the negative consequences of a slow shipping process.
Kare no kōdō wa, sono jōkyō ni taisuru rikai ga osoku naru.
His behavior, that situation towards understanding slow becomes.
Describes a delayed cognitive response to someone's behavior.
Shizen kankyō no henka ni yoru seichō no osoku naru mondai.
Natural environment's change due to growth slow becomes problem.
Discusses environmental factors causing slow growth.
Shitsurei no kōi wa, sono ba no fun'iki ni osoku eikyō o ataeru.
Rude behavior, that situation's atmosphere on late influence gives.
Describes the delayed, negative impact of rudeness on an atmosphere.
Jidai no nagare ni sakaraeba, sono seishin seikatsu wa osoku naru.
Era's flow against if fight, its spiritual life slow becomes.
Discusses the stagnation of spiritual life when resisting societal change.
Kono tochi de wa, kinsei no densha ga tadori tsuku no wa, osoku naru shūkan ga aru.
This land at, yesterday's train arrive is, late becomes habit exists.
Refers to a historical or habitual lateness of transportation.
Osoku natta keredomo, sono jikō no honshitsu wa, ima mo ikite iru.
Late became though, that incident's essence, now still lives.
Highlights the enduring relevance of a topic despite a late realization.
Sono gyōkai ni oite, kare no mise ga ichiban osoku made katsudō shite iru.
That industry in, his shop most late until activity does.
Denotes the latest operational hours within a specific industry.
Shuppan no osoku naru koto wa, sono jidai no bunka seisō o shimesu.
Publishing's slow becoming fact, that era's cultural reflection shows.
Interprets slow publication as a reflection of cultural stagnation.
Kare no shinketsuna kōdō ni taisuru rikai wa, ta no mono yori osoku naru.
His uncharacteristic behavior towards understanding, others than slow becomes.
Describes a delayed understanding of someone's atypical behavior.
Kankyō hōkai ni yoru nōson no seichō no osoku naru genkai.
Environmental collapse due to rural area's growth slow becomes limit.
Discusses the limitations on growth caused by environmental degradation.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"遅くとも (osokutomo)"
At the latest; by the latest possible time.
Raishū no getsuyōbi osokutomo ni shūshi o dasu koto ni shite imasu. (来週の月曜日遅くともにしゅうしを出すことにしています - I've decided to submit the thesis by next Monday at the latest.)
neutral"遅くとも〜までには (osokutomo ~ made ni wa)"
By ~ at the latest; no later than ~.
Konban no jūni-ji made ni wa kanryō sasete kudasai. (今晩の十二時までには完了させてください - Please complete it by midnight tonight at the latest.)
neutral"遅くとも〜頃 (osokutomo ~ goro)"
Around ~ at the latest; approximately ~ at the latest.
Ashita no san-ji osokutomo goro ni wa tōchaku suru hazu desu. (明日の三時遅くとも頃には到着するはずです - I should arrive around 3 PM tomorrow at the latest.)
neutral"遅くとも〜時 (osokutomo ~ ji)"
At ~ o'clock at the latest.
Shichi-ji osokutomo ni wa kaerimashō. (七時遅くともには帰りましょう - Let's go home by 7 o'clock at the latest.)
neutral"遅くとも〜から (osokutomo ~ kara)"
From ~ onwards, at the earliest (can imply a late start).
Kono densha wa go-ji osokutomo kara hashirimasu. (この電車は五時遅くともから走ります - This train will run from 5 o'clock onwards, at the earliest.)
neutral"遅くとも〜以内 (osokutomo ~ inai)"
Within ~ at the latest; by ~ at the latest.
Shōmoku shūryō mae osokutomo ni o-kaeri kudasai. (消灯終了前遅くとも以内におかえりください - Please return before lights out at the latest.)
formalEasily Confused
Both relate to lateness/slowness.
'Osoi' is an adjective (describes nouns). 'Osoku' is an adverb (describes verbs).
Osoi densha (late train) vs. Densha ga osoku kita (The train came late).
Both can mean 'slowly'.
'Osoku' often implies a delay or lack of speed, sometimes negatively. 'Yukkuri' is more general 'slowly' or 'unhurriedly', often neutral or positive.
Osoku taberu (eat slowly, maybe too slow) vs. Yukkuri taberu (eat slowly, take your time).
Both relate to being late.
'Chikoku' is a noun meaning 'lateness' for appointments/work. 'Osoku' is an adverb describing the action of being late or slow.
Chikoku shita (I was late [noun used as verb]) vs. Osoku narimashita (I became late [adverb modifying 'become']).
Both mean delay.
'Chien' is a formal noun for delay (e.g., train delays). 'Osoku' is an adverb describing the state or action of being late/slow.
Densha no chien (train delay [noun]) vs. Densha ga osoku kita (The train came late [adverb]).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + は/が + 遅く + Verb
電車は遅く来ました。(Densha wa osoku kimashita.) - The train came late.
遅く + Verb
遅く起きました。(Osoku okimashita.) - I woke up late.
遅く + なる/なります (osoku naru/narimasu)
今日は遅くなります。(Kyō wa osoku narimasu.) - I will be late today.
遅くとも + Time/Day
来週遅くともに出します。(Raishū osokutomo ni dashimasu.) - I will submit it by next week at the latest.
Time + 遅く + まで (osoku made)
夜遅くまで勉強しました。(Yoru osoku made benkyō shimashita.) - I studied until late at night.
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
When describing *how* the verb 'kuru' (to come) happened, the adverbial form 'osoku' is needed.
'Osoku narimasu' indicates a change or future state of being late, while 'osoi' describes a current state.
'Chikoku' is used when referring to the act or state of being late for something specific like work or school.
While 'osoku hanasu' is grammatically correct, 'yukkuri' is often preferred for describing a slow speaking pace.
'Osokutomo' needs to be followed by a time marker like 'made' or used with a specific time/day.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a giant clock in your mind palace showing a very late hour (OSOKU). Then, picture a snail (OSOKU) slowly crawling across the clock face.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 'osoku narimasu' when people apologize for being late, or 'osoku susunde imasu' when discussing slow progress on a project.
Cultural Insight
Japanese culture often emphasizes punctuality. Being late ('osoku naru') without a good reason can be seen as inconsiderate. Always be mindful of time!
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: Adjective 'osoi' modifies nouns. Adverb 'osoku' modifies verbs. Just add '-ku' to the adjective stem!
Say It Right
Practice saying O-SO-KU clearly. Avoid stressing one syllable too much; aim for a smooth, even flow.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using the adjective 'osoi' when you need the adverb 'osoku' to describe how an action is done.
Did You Know?
The kanji '遅' has been used for centuries to denote slowness and lateness, showing how fundamental these concepts are in the language.
Study Smart
Create flashcards with 'osoku' on one side and 'late/slowly' on the other. Add example sentences for context.
Active Recall
Try to describe daily events using 'osoku'. For example, 'I ate breakfast osoku today' or 'The delivery arrived osoku'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Oh, so slow!' when you see 'osoku' to remember the 'slowly' meaning. For 'late', imagine arriving 'Oh, so cool!' because you're fashionably late.
Visual Association
Picture a very slow-moving snail (osoku) or a clock showing a very late hour (osoku).
Word Web
Challenge
Try describing your morning routine using 'osoku' if you woke up late, or describe how slowly you ate breakfast.
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: The kanji '遅' (chin, o/so-ku) itself means 'late' or 'slow'. The word likely evolved from ancient Japanese descriptions of time and movement.
Cultural Context
While 'osoku' is a neutral term, frequent lateness can be perceived negatively in formal or business settings. Apologizing promptly is important.
In English-speaking cultures, punctuality is highly valued. Being late can be seen as disrespectful. Phrases like 'better late than never' exist, but generally, promptness is preferred.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Apologizing for lateness
- ごめん、遅くなった！ (Gomen, osoku natta!) - Sorry, I'm late! (Casual)
- 遅くなってすみません。 (Osoku natte sumimasen.) - Sorry for being late. (Polite)
- 遅刻して申し訳ありません。 (Chikoku shite moushiwake arimasen.) - I sincerely apologize for being late. (Formal)
Describing slow progress
- プロジェクトの進みが遅い。 (Purojekuto no susumi ga osoi.) - The project's progress is slow. (Using adjective)
- 作業が遅く進んでいます。 (Sagyō ga osoku susunde imasu.) - The work is progressing slowly. (Using adverb)
- なかなか進展しない。 (Nakanaka shinten shinai.) - It's not progressing much. (Implies slowness)
Talking about waking up or going to bed late
- 今日は遅く起きた。 (Kyō wa osoku okita.) - I woke up late today.
- 昨日、遅くまで起きていた。 (Kinō, osoku made okite ita.) - I stayed up late last night.
- 週末は遅く寝る。 (Shūmatsu wa osoku neru.) - I sleep late on weekends.
Setting deadlines
- 明日遅くともに出して。 (Ashita osokutomo ni dashite.) - Submit it by tomorrow at the latest.
- 金曜日までには遅くとも。 (Kinyōbi made ni wa osokutomo.) - By Friday at the latest.
- 締め切りは来週月曜日遅くともです。 (Shimekiri wa raishū getsuyōbi osokutomo desu.) - The deadline is next Monday at the latest.
Conversation Starters
"今日の会議に遅れてしまいましたが、何か重要な決定はありましたか？ (Kyō no kaigi ni okurete shimaimashita ga, nanika jūyō na kettei wa arimashita ka?) - I'm sorry I was late for today's meeting, were there any important decisions made?"
"最近、何か物事が遅く進んでいると感じることはありますか？ (Saikin, nanika monogoto ga osoku susunde iru to kanjiru koto wa arimasu ka?) - Have you felt recently that things are progressing slowly?"
"週末はいつも遅く起きますか？それとも早く起きますか？ (Shūmatsu wa itsumo osoku okimasu ka? Soretomo hayaku okimasu ka?) - Do you always wake up late on weekends? Or do you wake up early?"
"このプロジェクトの進捗が遅い気がするのですが、あなたはどう思いますか？ (Kono purojekuto no shinchoku ga osoi ki ga suru no desu ga, anata wa dō omoimasu ka?) - I feel like the progress of this project is slow, what do you think?"
"昨夜、遅くまで起きていたので、今日は少し眠いです。 (Sakura, osoku made okite ita node, kyō wa sukoshi nemui desu.) - I stayed up late last night, so I'm a little sleepy today."
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you were significantly late for something important. What happened and what did you learn?
Think about a task or project you are currently working on. Is it progressing quickly or slowly? Use 'osoku' to describe its pace if applicable.
Write about your ideal morning routine. Do you prefer waking up early or 'osoku' (late)? Explain why.
Reflect on the importance of punctuality in your culture or in Japan. How does the concept of being 'osoku' fit into this?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions'Osoi' (遅い) is an adjective, meaning 'late' or 'slow'. It modifies nouns (e.g., 遅い電車 - osoi densha - a late train). 'Osoku' (遅く) is the adverbial form, meaning 'late' or 'slowly'. It modifies verbs (e.g., 遅く来る - osoku kuru - to come late).
Yes, it can imply 'late' in the sense of 'late in the day' or 'late at night', especially when used with phrases like 'osoku made' (until late). For example, 'Osoku made benkyou shita' (遅くまで勉強した - I studied until late at night).
Not necessarily. While it often implies a delay or slowness that might be inconvenient, it can also be neutral or even positive. For example, waking up late on a holiday might be seen as relaxing rather than negative.
The most common way is 'Osoku narimasu' (遅くなります). If you are already late, you say 'Osoku narimashita' (遅くなりました).
'Osoku' specifically means 'late' or 'slowly' in a way that might imply a lack of speed or punctuality. 'Yukkuri' means 'slowly' or 'unhurriedly' and often carries a more relaxed or gentle connotation, like 'take your time'.
Yes, it can describe the speed of actions or processes. For example, 'Kare wa osoku hashiru' (彼は遅く走る - He runs slowly). It can also describe cognitive slowness, like 'understanding slowly'.
'Osokutomo' (at the latest) is quite common, especially when setting deadlines or expectations for arrival times. It's a useful phrase for precise time communication.
It's pronounced O-SO-KU. Focus on clear, distinct syllables without strong English-like stress. The pitch is relatively flat or slightly rising.
Test Yourself
Gomen, ______ narimashita.
'Osoku' means late, so 'Gomen, osoku narimashita' means 'Sorry, I became late.'
Which word means 'slowly'?
'Osoku' is the adverb for 'slowly'.
The word 'osoku' can only mean 'late'.
'Osoku' can also mean 'slowly'.
Word
Meaning
These pairs show common uses of 'osoku' with different verbs.
The correct order is 'Densha wa osoku kimasu' (The train comes late).
Raishū no getsuyōbi ______ ni dasu tsumori desu.
'Osokutomo' means 'at the latest', fitting the context of a deadline.
Which phrase best describes a project progressing slower than expected?
'Osoku susunde imasu' directly translates to 'is progressing slowly'.
The adverb 'osoku' can be used to describe cognitive slowness.
Yes, it can imply slow understanding or processing, as in 'rikai ga osoku naru' (understanding becomes slow).
Kyūjitsu wa ______ okimasu.
On holidays, people often wake up late, so 'osoku' fits.
The correct sentence is 'Shigoto ga osoku owarimashita' (Work finished late).
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering 'osoku' allows you to precisely describe timing and speed, essential for clear communication in Japanese.
- Osoku (遅く) is a Japanese adverb meaning 'late' or 'slowly'.
- It's the adverbial form of the adjective 'osoi' (遅い).
- Used to describe actions happening at a later time or at a slower pace.
- Common in daily conversation for apologies, describing progress, and timing.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a giant clock in your mind palace showing a very late hour (OSOKU). Then, picture a snail (OSOKU) slowly crawling across the clock face.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 'osoku narimasu' when people apologize for being late, or 'osoku susunde imasu' when discussing slow progress on a project.
Cultural Insight
Japanese culture often emphasizes punctuality. Being late ('osoku naru') without a good reason can be seen as inconsiderate. Always be mindful of time!
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: Adjective 'osoi' modifies nouns. Adverb 'osoku' modifies verbs. Just add '-ku' to the adjective stem!
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
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.
