The word 'osoi' covers both 'late' in time and 'slow' in speed.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used for both time delays and slow speeds.
- Commonly used to describe people, machines, or schedules.
- Fundamental adjective for daily communication in Japan.
Overview
- 1概要：「遅い」は、時間的な「late」と、速度的な「slow」という二つの主要な意味を持つ非常に重要な形容詞です。日本語において、これら二つの概念が同じ単語で表現される点は、学習者にとって興味深い特徴です。2) 使用パターン：時間に関しては「時間が遅い（It is late）」や「遅刻する（to be late）」のように使われます。速度に関しては「歩くのが遅い（walk slowly）」や「仕事が遅い（work is slow）」のように、動作のペースを指します。3) 一般的な文脈：待ち合わせの際や、締め切りに間に合わない時、また乗り物のスピードやPCの動作が鈍い時など、生活のあらゆる場面で使われます。4) 類語との比較：「遅れる（verb）」は「遅れる」という動作そのものを指し、「遅い」は状態を表します。また、「鈍い（にぶい）」は反応や切れ味の悪さを指すため、「遅い」よりも限定的な文脈で使用されます。
Examples
時間が遅いので、もう帰りましょう。
everydayIt is late, so let's go home now.
申し訳ございません。到着が遅くなりました。
formalI apologize. My arrival was delayed.
このパソコンは動作が遅いね。
informalThis computer is slow.
反応が遅いことは、システム上の課題である。
academicSlow response time is a system issue.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
夜遅い
Late at night
遅い時間
Late hour
反応が遅い
Slow response
Often Confused With
This is a verb meaning 'to be delayed' or 'to run late'. It focuses on the action of missing the schedule.
This refers to something being dull or slow to react, often used for senses or mental sharpness.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'osoi' for both state of being late and slow speed. It functions as a standard adjective. In formal settings, combine it with '〜なります' to sound polite.
Common Mistakes
Students often confuse the kanji for 'hayai' (fast vs early). For 'osoi', the kanji is consistent, but ensure you use the past tense 'osokatta' when describing a past event.
Tips
Remember the dual meaning
Think of 'osoi' as a clock that is behind or a turtle that is moving slow. Both concepts share the same word in Japanese.
Distinguish between fast and early
Remember that Japanese uses different kanji for fast (速い) and early (早い), but both are read as 'hayai'. 'Osoi' is simpler as it covers both meanings.
Punctuality in Japan
Being 'osoi' is often viewed negatively in Japanese business culture. Always aim to be early for appointments.
Word Origin
Derived from the classical Japanese verb 'osuru' (to be delayed). It has evolved into a standard adjective describing both time and speed.
Cultural Context
In Japan, being 'osoi' (late) is generally discouraged in social and professional life. Punctuality is a highly valued trait.
Memory Tip
Imagine a turtle (slow) looking at a clock (late). The turtle is 'osoi' because he is late for the race.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「遅い」は形容詞で、状態を表します。一方、「遅れる」は動詞で、基準の時間からずれるという動作や結果を表します。
深夜や早朝など、通常の活動時間から外れた夜遅い時間を指します。丁寧な表現では「夜分」などが使われることもあります。
はい、通常は作業効率が悪いことを指すため、注意が必要です。文脈によっては「丁寧である」というポジティブな意味で使われることもあります。
時間的な反対語は「早い（early）」です。速度的な反対語は「速い（fast）」となります。
Test Yourself
電車が___ので、会議に間に合いませんでした。
過去の出来事なので、過去形の「遅かった」が適切です。
「歩くのが遅い」はどういう意味ですか？
この文脈では、速度の遅さを表しています。
（時間 / が / 遅い / もう）
「もう」は副詞として文の先頭に来ることが多いです。
Score: /3
Summary
The word 'osoi' covers both 'late' in time and 'slow' in speed.
- Used for both time delays and slow speeds.
- Commonly used to describe people, machines, or schedules.
- Fundamental adjective for daily communication in Japan.
Remember the dual meaning
Think of 'osoi' as a clock that is behind or a turtle that is moving slow. Both concepts share the same word in Japanese.
Distinguish between fast and early
Remember that Japanese uses different kanji for fast (速い) and early (早い), but both are read as 'hayai'. 'Osoi' is simpler as it covers both meanings.
Punctuality in Japan
Being 'osoi' is often viewed negatively in Japanese business culture. Always aim to be early for appointments.
Examples
4 of 4時間が遅いので、もう帰りましょう。
It is late, so let's go home now.
申し訳ございません。到着が遅くなりました。
I apologize. My arrival was delayed.
このパソコンは動作が遅いね。
This computer is slow.
反応が遅いことは、システム上の課題である。
Slow response time is a system issue.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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.
