To be late means arriving after the appointed time, often requiring an apology.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used when someone arrives after the scheduled time.
- Commonly used in school, work, and social settings.
- Often followed by an apology when used personally.
Overview
- 1概述：迟到（chídào）是中文日常生活中最常用的词汇之一，用于表达“晚于规定时间到达”。它由“迟”（晚）和“到”（到达）组成，语义非常明确。在现代社会，守时是一种重要的礼仪，因此这个词在职场、学校和社交场合出现的频率极高。
常见语境：最常见的语境是学校（上课迟到）和公司（上班迟到）。此外，在朋友聚会或正式约会中，迟到会被视为一种不礼貌的行为，因此人们常会说“对不起，我迟到了”来表示歉意。
- 1近义词比较：与“耽误”（delay/hinder）不同，“迟到”强调的是到达的时间点晚于预期，而“耽误”侧重于由于某种原因导致事情进程变慢或受到影响。另一个词“晚点”（wǎndiǎn）通常用于交通工具（如火车、飞机），而不用于人，这是初学者最容易混淆的地方。
Examples
对不起，我迟到了。
everydaySorry, I am late.
他因为总是迟到而被老板批评了。
formalHe was criticized by the boss for always being late.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
迟到早退
arriving late and leaving early
Often Confused With
Used exclusively for transportation like planes or trains, never for people.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '迟到' when referring to people. It is a verb, so it cannot be used as an adjective directly. Always remember to apologize if you are the one who is late.
Common Mistakes
Students often use '迟到' for trains or buses. Also, they sometimes put the time duration before the verb, which is grammatically incorrect.
Tips
Use with specific time durations
Always place the duration of lateness after the verb. For example, say '迟到了十分钟' instead of '十分钟迟到了'.
Do not use for objects
Never use '迟到' to describe a late train or flight. Use '晚点' for transportation instead.
Punctuality in Chinese culture
Punctuality is highly valued in China. Being late to a formal meeting or a dinner with elders is considered quite rude.
Word Origin
The character 迟 combines 彳 (step/walk) and 尺 (ruler/measure), implying a slow movement. Combined with 到 (arrive), it creates the meaning of arriving behind schedule.
Cultural Context
Punctuality reflects respect for others' time in Chinese culture. In professional settings, being on time is a key indicator of reliability.
Memory Tip
Think of '迟' (slow/late) and '到' (arrive). If you arrive slowly, you are late.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions“迟到”通常指人，指某人没有按时到达。而“晚点”通常指交通工具，如飞机或火车比预定时间晚到达。
你可以说“我迟到了五分钟”。在中文里，时间段通常放在动词之后。
它本身是一个中性词，但在社会交往中，迟到通常被认为是不够守时的表现，因此带有一定的负面色彩。
Test Yourself
对不起，我因为堵车___了。
因为是描述人晚到，所以使用“迟到”。
Score: /1
Summary
To be late means arriving after the appointed time, often requiring an apology.
- Used when someone arrives after the scheduled time.
- Commonly used in school, work, and social settings.
- Often followed by an apology when used personally.
Use with specific time durations
Always place the duration of lateness after the verb. For example, say '迟到了十分钟' instead of '十分钟迟到了'.
Do not use for objects
Never use '迟到' to describe a late train or flight. Use '晚点' for transportation instead.
Punctuality in Chinese culture
Punctuality is highly valued in China. Being late to a formal meeting or a dinner with elders is considered quite rude.
Examples
2 of 2对不起，我迟到了。
Sorry, I am late.
他因为总是迟到而被老板批评了。
He was criticized by the boss for always being late.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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