推迟 in 30 Seconds
- 推迟 (tuīchí) means to postpone or delay an event.
- It is commonly used with '到' (dào) to specify the new time.
- It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
- It is the opposite of 提前 (tíqián), which means to move earlier.
The Chinese verb 推迟 (tuīchí) is a fundamental term used to describe the act of moving a scheduled event, action, or deadline to a later point in time. It is composed of two characters: 推 (tuī), meaning 'to push,' and 迟 (chí), meaning 'late' or 'delayed.' Conceptually, you are 'pushing' the event into the 'late' zone. This word is essential for navigating daily life in China, whether you are dealing with business meetings, social gatherings, or travel arrangements. It implies that the event will still happen, but not at the originally intended time.
- Core Concept
- The temporal displacement of a planned occurrence. It focuses on the shift from 'now' or 'soon' to 'later.'
- Grammatical Function
- It functions primarily as a transitive verb, often taking a direct object like 'meeting,' 'exam,' or 'trip.' It can also be used intransitively in specific contexts.
- Degree of Formality
- It is a neutral-to-formal word, suitable for both professional emails and casual text messages among friends.
“因为天气不好，比赛被推迟到了下周。” (Because of bad weather, the match was postponed until next week.)
Understanding 推迟 requires recognizing its flexibility. Unlike some English synonyms like 'defer' which might sound overly formal, 推迟 is the go-to word for almost any delay. If your flight is late, if your friend can't make it to dinner, or if a government policy is delayed, 推迟 is the most natural choice. It is often paired with the preposition 到 (dào) to indicate the new time or date.
“我们不得不把会议推迟一个小时。” (We have to postpone the meeting by one hour.)
When you use this word, you are communicating a change in the timeline. It is different from 取消 (qǔxiāo - cancel) because the intention to complete the action remains. It is also distinct from 耽搁 (dāngé - delay/hold up), which often implies an involuntary or negative delay caused by external obstacles, whereas 推迟 is often a conscious decision or a formal announcement.
- Visualizing the Word
- Imagine a calendar where you physically slide a block from Monday to Wednesday. That 'sliding' action is the '推' (pushing) part of the word.
“由于技术原因，发布会推迟举行。” (Due to technical reasons, the press conference will be held later.)
Using 推迟 (tuīchí) correctly involves understanding its syntax and the common structures it appears in. It is most frequently used as a verb followed by a duration or a specific point in time. Because it involves a change in state (from the original time to a new time), it is often used in 把 (bǎ) constructions or passive 被 (bèi) constructions.
1. Basic Verb-Object Structure
The simplest way to use it is: 推迟 + [Event]. For example, 推迟会议 (postpone the meeting) or 推迟计划 (delay the plan). This is direct and clear.
“经理决定推迟这次出差。” (The manager decided to postpone this business trip.)
2. Using '到' (dào) for Specific Times
When you want to specify the new time, use the structure: 推迟到 + [New Time]. This is the most common way to provide clarity on the new schedule.
“校庆活动推迟到十月举行。” (The school anniversary activities have been postponed to October.)
3. Indicating Duration
If you want to say how long the delay is, use: 推迟 + [Duration]. For example, 推迟三天 (postpone for three days).
“因为原材料短缺，交货期不得不推迟两周。” (Due to a shortage of raw materials, the delivery date had to be postponed by two weeks.)
4. The '把' Construction
In active voice where you want to emphasize the object being moved, use: 把 + [Event] + 推迟 + [到/Duration]. This is very common in spoken Chinese.
“请把我的预约推迟到明天下午。” (Please postpone my appointment to tomorrow afternoon.)
You will encounter 推迟 (tuīchí) in a wide variety of settings, from formal announcements to casual conversations. Its versatility makes it one of the most high-frequency words in the B1-B2 level vocabulary. Here are the primary contexts where you will hear or see it used.
1. Transportation and Travel
At airports, train stations, or bus terminals, announcements regarding schedule changes often use this word. While '延误' (yánwù) is common for 'delay' in a negative sense (like a flight being late), 推迟 is used when the scheduled departure time itself is officially moved.
“各位旅客请注意，前往北京的航班将推迟起飞。” (Attention passengers, the flight to Beijing will have its takeoff postponed.)
2. Corporate and Professional Environments
In the office, meetings are constantly being shifted. You will see 推迟 in emails, Slack/WeChat messages, and during stand-up meetings. It is the standard professional term for rescheduling something for later.
“由于项目进度调整，我们的截止日期将推迟一周。” (Due to project progress adjustments, our deadline will be postponed by one week.)
3. Academic Settings
Students and teachers use this word regarding exams, assignment deadlines, or the start of a semester. If a professor gives an extension, they are '推迟' the deadline.
“老师把考试日期推迟到了周五。” (The teacher postponed the exam date to Friday.)
4. Social Life
When making plans with friends, if someone is running late or can't make the original time, they might suggest '推迟一下' (postpone it a bit). It sounds more polite and organized than just saying 'I'm late.'
“我们把聚会推迟到晚上八点吧，我还没下班。” (Let's postpone the party to 8 PM; I haven't finished work yet.)
Even though 推迟 (tuīchí) seems straightforward, learners often make specific errors in usage, word choice, and grammar. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker.
1. Confusing '推迟' with '延迟' (yánchí)
While both mean 'delay,' 推迟 is usually for a specific event or point in time (like a meeting). 延迟 is often used for processes, signals, or durations (like a network delay or a delayed payment). You '推迟' a wedding, but you '延迟' a payment.
- Incorrect
- 网络推迟了。 (The network is postponed - Wrong!)
- Correct
- 网络延迟了。 (The network is lagging/delayed.)
2. Using the Wrong Preposition
Learners often forget to use 到 (dào) when specifying a new time. In English, we say 'postpone to,' and in Chinese, the 'to' is essential. Without it, the sentence sounds incomplete.
“不要说：会议推迟明天。 要说：会议推迟到明天。”
3. Confusing '推迟' with '提前' (tíqián)
This is a logic error. 推迟 means later, while 提前 means earlier. Sometimes students mix these up when they are trying to say 'reschedule.' Make sure you know which direction the time is moving!
4. Overusing it for 'Late'
If a person is late for an appointment, you don't say they '推迟' unless they actually called ahead to move the appointment. If they just show up late, use 迟到 (chídào).
“他迟到了三十分钟。” (He was 30 minutes late.) vs “他把会议推迟了三十分钟。” (He postponed the meeting by 30 minutes.)
Chinese has several words that translate to 'delay' or 'postpone.' Choosing the right one depends on the context, the cause of the delay, and the formality of the situation. Here is a breakdown of how 推迟 (tuīchí) compares to its synonyms.
1. 延期 (yánqī)
延期 literally means 'to extend the period.' It is more formal than 推迟 and is often used for deadlines, contracts, or visas. While 推迟 focuses on the starting point of an event, 延期 focuses on the duration or the end date.
“签证可以延期一个月。” (The visa can be extended for one month.)
2. 耽搁 (dāngé)
耽搁 implies a delay caused by some obstacle or being 'held up.' It often has a negative connotation, suggesting that time was wasted or a plan was interrupted. You wouldn't usually '耽搁' a meeting intentionally; you would '推迟' it.
“路上堵车，耽搁了不少时间。” (The traffic jam held us up for quite a while.)
3. 延误 (yánwù)
延误 is the standard term for transport delays (flights, trains). It implies that something is behind schedule and often suggests a failure to meet a deadline. It is more formal and serious than 推迟.
“由于大雾，航班全面延误。” (Due to heavy fog, all flights are delayed.)
4. 缓办 (huǎnbàn)
This is a very formal, administrative term meaning 'to put off handling' or 'to defer action.' You will see this in official government documents or high-level corporate memos.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
把 construction
被 construction
Duration of time
Resultative complements
Examples by Level
会议推迟了。
The meeting is postponed.
Simple subject + verb + particle 'le'.
我们可以推迟吗？
Can we postpone?
Using 'kěyǐ' for permission.
推迟到明天。
Postpone until tomorrow.
Verb + 'dào' + time.
考试推迟了。
The exam is postponed.
Common school context.
不要推迟。
Don't postpone.
Negative imperative.
比赛推迟一小时。
The match is postponed by one hour.
Verb + duration.
计划推迟了。
The plan is postponed.
Abstract noun as subject.
为什么推迟？
Why postpone?
Simple question.
因为下雨，活动推迟了。
Because of rain, the activity is postponed.
Using 'yīnwèi' for reason.
请把会议推迟到三点。
Please postpone the meeting to 3 o'clock.
Basic 'bǎ' construction.
我们要推迟出发时间。
We need to postpone the departure time.
Verb phrase as object.
医生把预约推迟了。
The doctor postponed the appointment.
'bǎ' construction with person as subject.
晚饭可以推迟半小时吗？
Can dinner be postponed for half an hour?
Question with duration.
他决定推迟他的旅行。
He decided to postpone his trip.
Verb + infinitive-like structure.
电影推迟到下周上映。
The movie release is postponed to next week.
Passive context without 'bèi'.
由于生病，他推迟了面试。
Due to illness, he postponed the interview.
Formal reason 'yóuyú'.
由于天气原因，开幕式不得不推迟。
Due to weather reasons, the opening ceremony had to be postponed.
Using 'bùdébù' (have no choice but to).
经理要求把截止日期推迟一周。
The manager requested to postpone the deadline by a week.
Complex 'bǎ' construction.
如果情况没有好转，我们将推迟计划。
If the situation doesn't improve, we will postpone the plan.
Conditional 'rúguǒ' sentence.
这项工程因为资金问题被推迟了。
This project was postponed due to funding issues.
Passive 'bèi' construction.
他建议推迟讨论这个敏感话题。
He suggested postponing the discussion of this sensitive topic.
Verb + abstract object.
我们不能再推迟交货时间了。
We cannot postpone the delivery time any longer.
Using 'zài' for 'any longer' in negative.
由于技术故障，发射任务推迟了两个小时。
Due to a technical glitch, the launch mission was postponed for two hours.
Specific technical context.
你应该推迟你的决定，再考虑一下。
You should postpone your decision and think it over.
Giving advice with 'yīnggāi'.
鉴于目前的经济形势，公司决定推迟上市。
In view of the current economic situation, the company decided to postpone its IPO.
Formal 'jiànyú' (in view of).
政府宣布推迟实施新的税收政策。
The government announced the postponement of the implementation of the new tax policy.
Formal announcement context.
这场突如其来的疫情迫使许多活动推迟。
This sudden epidemic forced many activities to be postponed.
Using 'pòshǐ' (to force).
他因为个人原因申请推迟入学。
He applied to postpone his enrollment for personal reasons.
Formal application context.
为了确保质量，我们不得不推迟产品的发布。
In order to ensure quality, we had to postpone the product launch.
Purpose clause 'wèile'.
会议的推迟给我们的工作带来了不便。
The postponement of the meeting has brought inconvenience to our work.
Using '推迟' as a noun (nominalization).
双方同意将谈判推迟到下个月进行。
Both sides agreed to postpone the negotiations until next month.
Diplomatic/Business context.
由于证据不足，法庭推迟了宣判。
Due to insufficient evidence, the court postponed the sentencing.
Legal context.
这种推迟决策的做法可能会导致错失良机。
This practice of postponing decisions might lead to missing good opportunities.
Abstract philosophical usage.
在某些文化中，推迟给出的答复被视为一种礼貌。
In some cultures, a delayed response is considered a form of politeness.
Cultural analysis context.
该项目的推迟引发了投资者对公司前景的担忧。
The postponement of the project sparked concerns among investors about the company's prospects.
Complex cause-and-effect structure.
我们不能无休止地推迟对环境问题的处理。
We cannot indefinitely postpone dealing with environmental issues.
Adverbial 'wúxiūzhǐ de' (indefinitely).
推迟满足感是成功人士的重要特质之一。
Delayed gratification is one of the important traits of successful people.
Psychological term '推迟满足感'.
由于各方意见不一，议案的表决被一再推迟。
Due to differing opinions from all sides, the vote on the proposal was repeatedly postponed.
Using 'yīzài' (repeatedly).
推迟退休年龄已成为许多国家应对老龄化的策略。
Postponing the retirement age has become a strategy for many countries to cope with aging.
Social policy context.
尽管面临压力，他仍然决定推迟发表声明。
Despite facing pressure, he still decided to postpone making a statement.
Concessive 'jǐnguǎn' clause.
在宏观经济调控中，推迟某些基建项目是必要的手段。
In macroeconomic regulation, postponing certain infrastructure projects is a necessary means.
High-level economic discourse.
这种由于行政效率低下导致的推迟是不可接受的。
This kind of postponement caused by low administrative efficiency is unacceptable.
Critical formal tone.
推迟行动往往源于对未知结果的恐惧。
Postponing action often stems from a fear of unknown outcomes.
Psychological/Philosophical depth.
历史的进程有时会因为偶然因素而推迟。
The course of history is sometimes postponed by accidental factors.
Grand historical context.
他那种习惯性推迟工作的倾向严重影响了团队效率。
His tendency to habitually postpone work has seriously affected team efficiency.
Character description/HR context.
法律的推迟执行可能会损害司法的公正性。
The delayed execution of the law may undermine the fairness of justice.
Legal philosophy.
我们必须审慎评估推迟该项研究所带来的潜在风险。
We must carefully evaluate the potential risks brought about by postponing this research.
Scientific/Risk management context.
推迟并非终结，而是一种战术性的等待。
Postponement is not an end, but a tactical wait.
Strategic aphorism.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
Word Family
Related
How to Use It
The object becomes the subject in passive sentences.
When expressing duration, the duration comes after the verb.
Use '没' for past postponements and '不' for general/future.
- Saying '推迟明天' instead of '推迟到明天'.
- Using '推迟' when you mean 'late' (迟到).
- Confusing '推迟' with '提前'.
- Using '推迟' for network lag (use 延迟).
- Forgetting the '了' when the postponement is a finished decision.
Tips
Use '到' for Target Time
Always remember '推迟到' when you have a specific time in mind.
Pair with '不得不'
This adds a sense of necessity to your sentence.
Polite Postponing
Add '抱歉' at the start of your sentence to be polite.
Formal Reasons
Use '由于' instead of '因为' in business emails.
Natural Flow
Say '推迟一下' for a small, casual delay.
The 'Push' Visual
Visualize pushing a box labeled 'Meeting' down a timeline.
Announcement Keywords
Listen for '推迟' in airport or train station broadcasts.
Check the Direction
Ensure you aren't confusing it with '提前' (earlier).
Common Objects
Learn it with '会议', '考试', and '计划'.
Abstract Usage
Use it for social trends like '推迟结婚'.
Memorize It
Word Origin
Cultural Context
It is polite to ask 'Can we postpone?' rather than stating 'I am postponing.'
Always provide a reason when postponing a business meeting.
Use '抱歉' (bàoqiàn - sorry) when initiating a postponement.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"我们可以把会议推迟到明天吗？"
"你为什么想推迟这次旅行？"
"如果比赛推迟了，你会做什么？"
"你觉得推迟退休是一个好主意吗？"
"截止日期推迟了，你感到轻松吗？"
Journal Prompts
写一次你不得不推迟重要计划的经历。
如果你可以推迟时间，你想回到哪一天？
讨论推迟决策的优缺点。
描述一次因为天气原因推迟的活动。
你习惯推迟做家务吗？为什么？
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, use 迟到 (chídào) for people being late. 推迟 is for moving the schedule.
It is neutral. It works in both business and casual settings.
The opposite is 提前 (tíqián), meaning to move earlier.
No, you must say 推迟到三点 (postponed TO three o'clock).
You say 无限期推迟 (wúxiànqī tuīchí).
Yes, it can mean 'postponement' in sentences like '推迟是必要的'.
They are very similar, but 推迟 is more common in formal announcements.
Yes, but 延误 (yánwù) is more common for unexpected flight delays.
Say 推迟两天 (tuīchí liǎng tiān).
Yes, e.g., '请推迟你的出发时间'.
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Summary
推迟 is your primary verb for rescheduling things to a later time. Whether it's a flight, a meeting, or a date, use this word to indicate that the plan is still on, just happening later.
- 推迟 (tuīchí) means to postpone or delay an event.
- It is commonly used with '到' (dào) to specify the new time.
- It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
- It is the opposite of 提前 (tíqián), which means to move earlier.
Use '到' for Target Time
Always remember '推迟到' when you have a specific time in mind.
Pair with '不得不'
This adds a sense of necessity to your sentence.
Polite Postponing
Add '抱歉' at the start of your sentence to be polite.
Formal Reasons
Use '由于' instead of '因为' in business emails.
Example
由于天气原因，比赛推迟了。
Related Content
Related Phrases
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
一点儿
A1a little, a bit
一会儿
A1a moment, a while
一部分
B1part; portion; minority
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
