おくれます

The Japanese verb おくれます (okuremasu) is a cornerstone of daily communication, especially within the context of Japanese society's profound respect for time and punctuality. At its core, it translates to 'to be late' or 'to be delayed.' However, its usage extends beyond mere tardiness of a person; it encompasses everything from a train running behind schedule to a project failing to meet its deadline. For an English speaker, understanding 'okuremasu' is not just about learning a word, but about learning how to navigate the social expectations of Japanese culture. When you say 'okuremasu,' you are often signaling a breach of a social contract—the contract of being on time.

Grammatical Group

It is an Ichidan verb (Group 2). The dictionary form is 遅れる (okureru). In the polite form, it becomes おくれます (okuremasu).

In a professional environment, 'okuremasu' is frequently used to provide status updates. If a meeting is starting at 9:00 AM and you are currently on a train that has stopped, you would use this verb to inform your colleagues. It is important to note that 'okuremasu' focuses on the state of being late relative to a specific point in time. It is often paired with the particle 'ni' (に) to indicate the event or time one is late for. For example, 'kaigi ni okuremasu' means 'I will be late for the meeting.' The verb itself is neutral, but the context in which it is used often demands an accompanying apology, such as 'sumimasen' or 'moushiwake arimasen.'

Beyond physical movement, 'okuremasu' is used in abstract senses. If you are learning a language and you feel your progress is slower than your classmates, you might say you are 'okurete iru' (the continuous state of being behind). It also applies to technology or trends. If a company is 'okurete iru,' it means they are lagging behind the current market standards or technological advancements. This versatility makes it one of the most useful verbs in the Japanese lexicon.

Common Particle Usage

Use 'ni' (に) for the destination or event: 学校に遅れます (Gakkou ni okuremasu - I'll be late for school).

Furthermore, the word is used in public announcements. When you are at a train station in Tokyo, you will frequently hear 'ressha ga okurete orimasu' (the train is delayed). Here, 'okurete orimasu' is the humble version of 'okurete imasu.' This highlights how the verb scales with levels of politeness and formality. Whether you are a student, a business professional, or a tourist, mastering 'okuremasu' allows you to communicate logistical issues clearly and politely, which is essential for maintaining smooth social relationships in Japan.

Transitive vs Intransitive

Okuremasu is an intransitive verb. This means the subject (the person or thing that is late) performs the action. You do not 'late' something; you simply 'are' late.

Finally, consider the emotional weight. In English, 'I'm late' can sometimes be a casual observation. In Japanese, saying 'okuremasu' often carries a sense of regret. If you are late for a date, saying 'okuremasu' is the first step in acknowledging that you have inconvenienced the other person. It sets the stage for the necessary 'sumimasen' that must follow. By understanding this nuance, you can use the word not just as a factual statement, but as a tool for social harmony.

Using おくれます (okuremasu) correctly involves more than just knowing its meaning; it requires a grasp of Japanese particles and verb conjugations. The most common structure is '[Event/Time] に おくれます'. The particle 'ni' acts as a target marker, indicating what you are late for. For instance, if you are late for a 10 o'clock appointment, you would say 'juu-ji ni okuremasu.' If you are late for a party, 'paatii ni okuremasu.' This structure is consistent across most contexts, making it a reliable pattern for learners to memorize.

The 'De' Particle for Cause

When explaining *why* you are late, use the particle 'de' (で) after the reason. For example: 'Jiko de okuremasu' (I will be late because of an accident).

Another crucial aspect is the tense. 'Okuremasu' is the non-past form, meaning 'will be late' or 'is late (habitually).' However, if you have already arrived and are apologizing for being late, you must use the past tense: 'Okuremashita' (遅れました). For example, walking into a classroom and saying 'Okuremashita, sumimasen' (I was late, I'm sorry). Using the wrong tense can lead to confusion about whether the delay is currently happening or has already occurred.

In more complex sentences, you might see 'okurete' (the te-form). This is used to link 'okuremasu' with other verbs or to express a continuous state. 'Okurete imasu' means 'is currently late' or 'is currently delayed.' This is the form you will see on digital signs at airports or train stations: 'Hikouki ga okurete imasu' (The plane is delayed). It describes the ongoing status of the flight.

Combining with Adverbs

You can add adverbs like 'sukoshi' (a little) or 'daibu' (significantly) to specify the degree: 'Sukoshi okuremasu' (I'll be a little late).

For advanced learners, 'okuremasu' can be used in the potential form 'okureru' (to be able to be late—though this is rare) or the passive/causative forms in very specific literary or formal contexts. However, for everyday use, focusing on the distinction between 'okuremasu' (future/habitual) and 'okuremashita' (past) is the most important step. In business emails, you might see 'okureru mikaeshi ga gozaimasu,' which is a very formal way of saying 'there is a possibility of a delay.'

When using 'okuremasu' in the negative form, 'okuremasen' (will not be late), it often sounds like a promise or a confident statement of punctuality. 'Ashita wa okuremasen' (I will not be late tomorrow). This is a strong way to reassure someone after you have been late previously. It shows commitment to the schedule.

The word おくれます (okuremasu) is ubiquitous in Japanese public life. One of the most common places you will hear it is at the train station. Japan's rail system is famous for its precision, so even a one-minute delay is announced. You will hear the station master or an automated voice say: 'Densha ga okurete orimasu, gomeiwaku o okake shimasu' (The train is delayed, we apologize for the inconvenience). Hearing this word in a station is an immediate signal for commuters to check their watches and perhaps send a message to their destination.

In the Office

In a Japanese office, you'll hear it during morning meetings (cho-rei). If a project is behind, a manager might say 'Keikaku ga okurete imasu' (The plan is falling behind).

Another frequent setting is on the phone or through messaging apps like LINE. If someone is stuck in traffic or their previous meeting ran long, they will quickly text 'Okuremasu!' This is often the entire message, or followed by a specific time like '10-pun okuremasu.' In this context, the word acts as a vital social lubricant, easing the tension caused by the delay. It shows that the person is aware of the time and respects the other person's schedule.

In schools, teachers use 'okuremasu' to warn students about deadlines. 'Shukudai ga okureru to, ten ga sagarimasu yo' (If your homework is late, your grade will drop). Students also use it when they arrive late to class, often accompanied by a bow. The word is deeply ingrained in the educational system's emphasis on discipline and time management. You might also hear it in news broadcasts regarding weather-related delays for flights or ferries during typhoon season.

TV and Media

In dramas or anime, a character running with toast in their mouth often shouts 'Okureru, okureru!' (I'm going to be late, I'm going to be late!).

You will also encounter 'okuremasu' in the context of technology and progress. In documentaries or news articles about the economy, experts might discuss how Japan is 'okurete iru' in certain digital sectors compared to other nations. This broader, more metaphorical use of the word is common in intellectual and journalistic discourse. It shifts the meaning from a simple time delay to a more significant 'lag' in development or adoption of new ideas.

Lastly, in the world of fashion and trends, 'okuremasu' is used to describe someone who is 'out of date.' While 'okurete iru' is more common for this, the base verb 'okuremasu' remains the root. If you aren't keeping up with the latest slang or fashion, a friend might jokingly say you are 'okurete iru.' This shows that 'okuremasu' is not just about the clock; it's about staying in sync with the world around you.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with おくれます (okuremasu) is confusing it with the adjective 'osoi' (slow/late). In English, 'I am late' uses an adjective. In Japanese, 'okuremasu' is a verb. Therefore, you cannot say 'Watashi wa okuremasu desu.' You must treat it like an action: 'Watashi wa okuremasu.' Similarly, beginners often try to use 'okuremasu' to mean 'slow,' but that is the role of 'osoi.' For example, to say 'The car is slow,' you use 'osoi,' but to say 'The car is late (arriving),' you use 'okurete imasu.'

Particle Confusion: 'Ni' vs 'O'

Mistakenly using 'o' (を) instead of 'ni' (に). Because 'okuremasu' is intransitive, it cannot take a direct object. You are late *to* something, not 'lating' something.

Another common error is the misuse of 'okuremasu' vs. 'chikoku shimasu.' While both mean 'to be late,' 'chikoku shimasu' (遅刻します) is specifically used for being late to a place where you are expected to be at a certain time, like school or work. 'Okuremasu' is much broader. You can use 'okuremasu' for a train, but you cannot use 'chikoku shimasu' for a train (unless the train itself has a job it's late for!). Using 'chikoku shimasu' for a non-human entity is a classic learner mistake.

The tense of 'okuremasu' also trips up many students. If you are currently in the process of being late (e.g., you are on the way), you should use 'okuremasu' (future/will be late) or 'okurete imasu' (currently late). If you have arrived, you must use 'okuremashita.' Saying 'okuremasu' after you have already arrived sounds like you are announcing a *future* lateness, which will confuse your host. It's like saying 'I will be late' while standing in front of them.

Confusing 'Okuremasu' with 'Osoku narimasu'

'Osoku narimasu' means 'to become late' (in terms of the time of day). 'Okuremasu' means 'to be behind schedule.' If you're staying late at work, use 'osoku narimasu.'

Furthermore, learners often forget to include the duration. In English, we say 'I'm 5 minutes late.' In Japanese, the duration goes before the verb without a particle: '5-pun okuremasu.' Adding particles like 'de' or 'ni' between the time and the verb (e.g., '5-pun ni okuremasu') is incorrect and makes the sentence sound unnatural. The time duration acts as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb directly.

Lastly, there is the social mistake of not apologizing. In many Western cultures, 'I'm late' is an explanation. In Japan, 'okuremasu' is a confession that requires an apology. Failing to follow 'okuremasu' with 'sumimasen' or 'moushiwake arimasen' can come across as rude or indifferent to the other person's time. Even if the delay is not your fault (like a train delay), you are still expected to acknowledge the inconvenience caused to the person waiting for you.

While おくれます (okuremasu) is the most versatile word for being late, there are several alternatives that are more appropriate in specific contexts. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker. The most common synonym is 遅刻する (chikoku suru). This is a noun-verb (suru-verb) that specifically refers to being late for an appointment, school, or work. While you can say 'kaigi ni okuremasu,' saying 'kaigi ni chikoku shimasu' is slightly more formal and specifically points to your personal tardiness in a professional or academic setting.

Okuremasu vs. Chikoku suru

'Okuremasu' is for anything (trains, people, projects). 'Chikoku suru' is only for people being late to a scheduled place.

Another similar phrase is 遅くなる (osoku naru). This literally means 'to become late.' It is often used when the time itself is getting late, rather than being late for a specific event. For example, 'Kaeru no ga osoku narimasu' means 'I will be late getting home' (meaning I will return at a late hour). In contrast, 'Kaeru no ga okuremasu' would mean 'My return is delayed' (perhaps because the bus is late). Use 'osoku naru' when talking about the clock and 'okuremasu' when talking about a schedule.

For technical or project-based delays, you might encounter 延期する (enki suru), which means 'to postpone.' While 'okuremasu' describes a delay that is happening, 'enki suru' describes a conscious decision to move an event to a later date. Similarly, 手間取る (temadoru) means to take more time than expected on a task. If you are late because a task was difficult, you might say 'Temadotte shimatte, okuremashita' (I took too much time and ended up being late).

Formal Alternatives

In very formal business Japanese, 'chien' (遅延) is used for delays of transportation or systems. You will see this on news tickers: 'Ressha ni chien ga dete imasu.'

If you are talking about falling behind in a race or in competition, 後れを取る (okure o toru) is a common idiom. It means to be outstripped or to fall behind others. This is more literary and dramatic than the simple 'okuremasu.' On the other hand, if something is 'behind the times,' you can use 時代遅れ (jidai-okure), which is a noun meaning 'old-fashioned' or 'obsolete.' These variations show how the root 'okure' branches out into many different areas of Japanese life.

Finally, the opposite of 'okuremasu' is 間に合う (maniau), which means 'to be in time for.' Learning these two together is highly recommended as they represent the two sides of punctuality. 'Okureru ka na? Maniau ka na?' (Will I be late? Will I be in time?). This internal monologue is something every commuter in Japan experiences at some point!