Procrastination is the act of unnecessarily delaying tasks despite knowing the negative consequences.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To delay doing something that you should do.
- Often used to describe unproductive work habits.
- Can be used as a noun or a verb.
Overview
- 1概述：拖延（tuōyán）是一个动词，核心含义是“推迟”或“延误”。它不仅指物理时间上的推迟，更常用来描述一种心理状态，即明知任务重要却迟迟不肯动手的行为模式。2) 用法模式：常见结构包括“拖延时间”、“拖延任务”或“因为拖延而……”。在句中，它既可以单独作谓语，也可以作为动词短语的一部分。例如：由于他总是拖延，工作进度严重滞后。3) 常见语境：该词广泛应用于职场（如拖延项目交付）、学业（如拖延写作业）以及日常生活（如拖延去医院看病）。它是心理学和时间管理领域的高频词汇。4) 近义词辨析：与“耽误”相比，“拖延”更侧重于主观上的“推迟”行为，而“耽误”则更侧重于结果上的“错过时机”。与“推迟”相比，“拖延”带有明显的负面评价色彩，而“推迟”通常是一个中性词，指代客观上的时间调整。
Examples
不要再拖延了，现在就做吧。
everydayStop procrastinating and do it now.
由于项目的拖延，我们不得不重新规划进度。
formalDue to the delay of the project, we have to reschedule.
别拖延我的时间了。
informalStop wasting my time.
拖延行为往往会降低工作效率。
academicProcrastination often reduces work efficiency.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
拒绝拖延
Say no to procrastination
改掉拖延的习惯
Break the habit of procrastination
拖延症患者
A person suffering from procrastination
Often Confused With
Refers to missing an opportunity or causing a negative result because of a delay. It emphasizes the consequence more than the act of delaying.
A more technical or formal term for delay. It is often used for events, flights, or data transmission.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '拖延' is versatile and used in both formal and informal settings. It is frequently used to describe a negative habit. In formal contexts, it is often associated with productivity or management discussions.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use it as an adjective, but it is primarily a verb. It is also often confused with '延迟', which is more formal or mechanical. Remember that '拖延' usually implies a human agent.
Tips
Use the five-minute rule
If you feel like procrastinating, commit to working on the task for just five minutes. Often, starting is the hardest part.
Avoid chronic procrastination
Chronic procrastination can lead to high stress and missed opportunities. Be mindful of your habits.
Cultural attitude towards time
In many cultures, punctuality is highly valued. Procrastination is often viewed as a lack of discipline.
Word Origin
The word consists of '拖' (to pull/drag) and '延' (to extend/prolong). It literally means to pull out the timeline of a task.
Cultural Context
In modern Chinese society, with high-pressure work environments, '拖延症' (procrastination syndrome) has become a popular term for people struggling with self-management. It reflects a common cultural anxiety about efficiency and success.
Memory Tip
Think of '拖' (dragging) your feet and '延' (extending) the time. You are dragging out the time to avoid starting!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions推迟通常是中性的，指时间上的延后，有时是因为不可抗力。拖延则带有负面含义，通常指因为懒惰或心理压力而主观上不想开始任务。
拖延症是指一种习惯性的拖延行为，严重影响生活质量和工作效率。它被视为一种心理倾向，而非真正的生理疾病。
最对应的词是 procrastinate。在口语中也可以说 delay things 或 put things off。
可以。例如“克服拖延”中的“拖延”就是名词用法，指代拖延这种行为或习惯。
Test Yourself
由于他总是___，导致任务没能按时完成。
根据句意，任务未完成是因为动作迟缓，故选拖延。
下列选项中，哪个词最能替换“拖延”？
推迟在含义上与拖延最为接近，都涉及时间的延后。
（请根据语境造句）
这些句子都正确地使用了“拖延”作为动词或动作描述。
Score: /3
Summary
Procrastination is the act of unnecessarily delaying tasks despite knowing the negative consequences.
- To delay doing something that you should do.
- Often used to describe unproductive work habits.
- Can be used as a noun or a verb.
Use the five-minute rule
If you feel like procrastinating, commit to working on the task for just five minutes. Often, starting is the hardest part.
Avoid chronic procrastination
Chronic procrastination can lead to high stress and missed opportunities. Be mindful of your habits.
Cultural attitude towards time
In many cultures, punctuality is highly valued. Procrastination is often viewed as a lack of discipline.
Examples
4 of 4不要再拖延了，现在就做吧。
Stop procrastinating and do it now.
由于项目的拖延，我们不得不重新规划进度。
Due to the delay of the project, we have to reschedule.
别拖延我的时间了。
Stop wasting my time.
拖延行为往往会降低工作效率。
Procrastination often reduces work efficiency.
