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遅れます

A2 verb #2,000 最常用 10分钟阅读

遅れます

okuremasu 前2,000

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to navigate the Japanese language. While '遅れます' (okuremasu) is technically classified as an A2 word due to its grammatical function as an intransitive verb taking the particle 'ni', A1 learners will absolutely encounter it in their daily lives if they are in Japan. The most common scenario is hearing it in train stations. Even if a beginner does not fully grasp the grammar, they will learn to recognize the sound 'okurete imasu' as a sign that their train is not coming on time. Furthermore, A1 learners in language schools are quickly taught how to apologize if they are late for class. The phrase '遅れてすみません' (okurete sumimasen - I am sorry for being late) is often taught as a set phrase or chunk of vocabulary before the student even learns how to conjugate verbs into the te-form. At this stage, the focus is purely on practical survival communication. A learner might simply point to their watch, say 'sumimasen', and then say 'okuremasu' to convey that they will not be on time. They learn that 'okuremasu' means 'late' in the context of time and schedules. They might struggle with particles, perhaps saying 'jugyou okuremasu' without the 'ni', but the core meaning is understood by native speakers. The goal at A1 is recognition of the word in public announcements and the ability to use it as a basic apology or warning of tardiness, laying the groundwork for the more complex grammatical structures that will be introduced at the A2 level.

The A2 level is where '遅れます' (okuremasu) truly belongs and where learners master its core grammatical functions. At this stage, students are expected to understand the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs, and '遅れる' serves as a prime example of an intransitive verb. Learners must explicitly practice using the particle 'に' (ni) to mark the destination or event they are late for (e.g., 会議に遅れます - I will be late for the meeting) and the particle 'が' (ga) to mark the subject that is delayed (e.g., バスが遅れます - The bus is delayed). A2 learners also learn how to attach time durations directly to the verb without a particle, such as '10分遅れます' (I will be 10 minutes late). Furthermore, they begin to construct compound sentences using conjunctions like 'から' (kara) or 'ので' (node) to provide reasons for their delay. For example, '事故がありましたから、遅れます' (Because there was an accident, I will be late). The ability to explain *why* one is late is a key competency at the A2 level. Students also solidify their understanding of the te-form for apologies, moving beyond treating '遅れてすみません' as a mere set phrase and understanding the grammatical mechanics behind it. They learn to differentiate '遅れます' from the adjective '遅い' (osoi), understanding that one is an action/state of missing a schedule, while the other describes speed or the lateness of the hour. Mastery at A2 means being able to navigate daily scheduling issues smoothly and politely.

At the B1 level, learners expand their use of '遅れます' (okuremasu) into more complex and nuanced communicative tasks. They are no longer just stating that they are late; they are managing the social fallout of being late. This involves using more advanced grammar, such as the '〜てしまう' (te shimau) form to express regret or the unintentional nature of the delay: '寝坊してしまって、遅れました' (I accidentally overslept, and I was late). B1 learners also begin to use the causative form '遅らせる' (okuraseru) to talk about intentionally delaying or postponing something, such as '会議を遅らせましょう' (Let's delay the meeting). They become comfortable with the progressive state '遅れています' (okurete imasu) to describe ongoing delays, such as a project falling behind schedule. At this level, students also learn to navigate more formal apologies. Instead of just 'すみません', they might use '申し訳ありません' (moushiwake arimasen) in professional or semi-professional contexts. They learn to read and understand official notices regarding delays, such as weather warnings affecting public transport. The vocabulary surrounding the word expands to include terms like '遅刻' (chikoku - tardiness) and '遅延' (chien - delay). B1 learners can engage in problem-solving conversations, such as calling a friend to say, '電車が遅れているので、先にレストランに入っていてください' (The train is delayed, so please go into the restaurant ahead of me). This level marks a transition from basic survival communication to smooth, socially appropriate interaction regarding time management.

At the B2 level, the usage of '遅れます' (okuremasu) becomes highly professional and socially calibrated. Learners at this stage are often preparing to work in Japanese environments or interact with Japanese clients, where punctuality is paramount. Therefore, they must master the keigo (honorific language) equivalents of the word. Instead of simply saying '遅れています', a B2 learner will understand and use '遅れております' (okurete orimasu) in business emails or when speaking to superiors. They will master highly formal apology structures, such as 'お返事が遅くなり、誠に申し訳ございません' (I sincerely apologize for the delay in my reply). Notice here the shift to the adjective form '遅く' combined with 'なる' (to become), which is often preferred in formal written correspondence over the verb '遅れる'. B2 learners can handle complex, unpredictable situations, such as explaining a multi-faceted reason for a delay using advanced conjunctions and vocabulary. They understand the cultural weight of the '遅延証明書' (chien shoumeisho - delay certificate) and how to present it to an employer. Furthermore, they begin to use '遅れる' in abstract contexts, such as '流行に遅れる' (to fall behind the trends) or '時代に遅れる' (to fall behind the times). They can debate or discuss the concept of punctuality in Japanese society compared to their own culture, using '遅れる' as a thematic anchor. At B2, the word is a tool for professional relationship management and cultural navigation.

At the C1 level, learners possess near-native fluency in handling the concept of delays. They use '遅れます' (okuremasu) and its variations effortlessly across all registers, from highly casual slang with friends to the most rigid corporate communications. C1 learners have a deep understanding of pragmatics—they know exactly *when* to use '遅れる', when to use '遅刻する', and when to use more specialized vocabulary like '滞る' (todokooru - to stagnate) or '長引く' (nagabiku - to be prolonged). They can read complex news articles about economic delays, supply chain issues, or systemic infrastructural problems where '遅れ' (okure - the noun form) is used extensively. For example, 'ワクチンの供給に遅れが生じている' (A delay has arisen in the supply of vaccines). They are adept at using idiomatic expressions and proverbs related to time and lateness. In business, a C1 learner can negotiate deadlines, politely pointing out that a partner's delay is causing issues without causing offense, using softeners and indirect language. They understand the subtle emotional undertones when someone says '少し遅れる' (I'll be a little late)—knowing that in Japanese culture, this often means they will be significantly late, and the speaker is minimizing it to save face. C1 mastery means the word is fully integrated into the learner's linguistic repertoire, allowing for precise, culturally appropriate, and highly nuanced expression of time-related concepts.

At the C2 level, the learner's command of '遅れます' (okuremasu) is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They appreciate the literary and historical contexts of the word and its kanji. They can engage in deep philosophical or sociological discussions about Japan's obsession with punctuality and how the concept of '遅れ' impacts mental health and societal pressure. C2 learners can effortlessly parse classical or highly stylized uses of the word in literature or poetry. They are masters of the 'reading the air' (空気を読む - kuuki wo yomu) aspect of delays—they know exactly how a 3-minute delay versus a 10-minute delay alters the power dynamic in a high-level business negotiation and adjust their language accordingly. They use the noun form '遅れ' in highly sophisticated compound nouns and academic contexts, such as '開発の遅れ' (developmental delay) or '対応の遅れ' (delay in response), and can critique government or corporate policies based on these delays. They understand regional variations in how lateness is perceived (e.g., 'Okinawa time' vs. Tokyo punctuality) and can adjust their expectations and vocabulary. At this pinnacle of language acquisition, '遅れる' is not just a verb describing a missed schedule; it is a lens through which the learner understands and interacts with the fundamental rhythms and strictures of Japanese society.

开始练习例句笔记与提示

遅れます 30秒了解

Means 'to be late' or 'delayed'.
Takes particle に for events.
Takes particle が for vehicles.
Always apologize when using it.

The Japanese verb 遅れます (okuremasu) is a fundamental vocabulary word that translates to 'to be late' or 'to be delayed'. It is the polite (ます - masu) form of the dictionary verb 遅れる (okureru). Understanding this word is absolutely crucial for anyone studying Japanese, not only because of its high frequency in daily conversation but also due to the strict cultural emphasis on punctuality in Japan. When you say 遅れます, you are indicating that an expected time of arrival, completion, or occurrence has passed or will pass without the event happening on schedule. This can apply to people arriving at a destination, transportation systems running behind schedule, or even abstract concepts like falling behind the times.

Dictionary Form: 遅れる (okureru) - The casual, dictionary form used in informal speech or before certain grammatical structures.

The kanji used here is 遅, which carries the meaning of 'slow' or 'late'. It is composed of the radical 辶 (shinnyou), which relates to movement or the road, and the component 犀, which historically gives the phonetic sound and the idea of a slow-moving beast, though modern interpretations focus simply on the concept of delayed movement.

すみません、会議に遅れます。

In Japanese society, being on time is not just a courtesy; it is an expectation. Therefore, the word 遅れます is almost always accompanied by an apology. You will rarely hear someone state they are late without a preceding or following 'すみません' (I'm sorry) or '申し訳ありません' (I sincerely apologize). The word functions as an intransitive verb (自動詞 - jidoushi), meaning it does not take a direct object with the particle を (wo). Instead, the thing you are late *for* is marked with the particle に (ni), and the thing that *is* delayed is marked with が (ga).

Transitive Counterpart: 遅らせる (okuraseru) - To delay something intentionally, such as postponing a meeting.

電車が遅れます。

It is vital to distinguish between being late for an appointment and something taking a long time. If you are walking slowly, you are 遅い (osoi - an adjective meaning slow/late). If you miss the start time of a movie, you use 遅れます.

授業に十分遅れます。

The conjugation of this verb follows the standard Ichidan (Group 2) rules. To make the negative, you drop the 'masu' and add 'masen' (遅れません). For the past tense, it becomes 'mashita' (遅れました).

Te-form: 遅れて (okurete) - Used to connect sentences, often to give a reason: 'Because I was late...'

彼はいつも約束に遅れます。

明日は少し遅れます。

Mastering this word involves not just memorizing its definition, but understanding the social weight it carries. In a business context, even a one-minute delay is considered being late, and calling ahead to say '遅れます' is mandatory. This deep integration of vocabulary and cultural practice makes 'okuremasu' a fascinating and essential word for any Japanese learner to fully grasp.

Using 遅れます (okuremasu) correctly requires a solid understanding of Japanese particles, specifically に (ni) and が (ga). The most common mistake learners make is using the object particle を (wo) because in English we say 'I am late FOR the meeting', and learners sometimes try to force a direct object where one does not belong. Because 遅れる is an intransitive verb, it describes a state of being or an action that happens independently, without acting upon a direct object.

Particle に (ni): Marks the event, appointment, or destination you are late for. Example: 学校に遅れる (to be late for school).

パーティーに遅れます。

When you want to express that a vehicle or a system is delayed, you use the subject particle が (ga). This indicates that the subject itself is in a state of delay.

Particle が (ga): Marks the thing that is delayed. Example: バスが遅れる (the bus is delayed).

飛行機が遅れます。

Another critical aspect of using this verb is expressing the duration of the delay. You simply place the time duration directly before the verb without any particle. For example, to say 'I will be 10 minutes late', you say '十分遅れます' (juppun okuremasu).

五分ほど遅れます。

You will frequently need to use the te-form (遅れて) to apologize. The standard phrase '遅れてすみません' (okurete sumimasen) literally means 'Being late, I am sorry'. This is the most natural way to apologize upon arrival. If you are writing an email to your boss, you would elevate this to '遅れて申し訳ありません' (okurete moushiwake arimasen).

Expressing Reason: Use 〜ので (node) or 〜から (kara) after the verb to explain why something else happened. '電車が遅れたので...' (Because the train was delayed...).

渋滞で少し遅れます。

到着が遅れます。

Furthermore, the verb can be used in a progressive state to indicate that a delay is currently ongoing. '遅れています' (okurete imasu) means 'is currently delayed'. This is extremely common on train platforms. By mastering these particle connections and tense variations, you will be able to navigate the inevitable delays of daily life in Japan smoothly and politely.

The verb 遅れます (okuremasu) and its variations are ubiquitous in Japan, primarily because punctuality is a cornerstone of Japanese society. You will hear this word in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from casual conversations between friends to highly formal public address announcements. One of the most common places you will encounter this word is at train stations. Japan's railway system is famous for its punctuality, so when a train is even a minute behind schedule, an announcement is made.

Train Announcements: You will often hear '電車が遅れております' (densha ga okurete orimasu), which is the humble/polite form of 'the train is delayed'.

人身事故の影響で電車が遅れます。

In the workplace, communicating a delay is a critical professional skill. If an employee is going to be late, they are expected to contact their supervisor immediately. In this context, the word is used to manage expectations and show respect for the company's time.

申し訳ありません、朝礼に遅れます。

School Settings: Students use this word when reporting to the teacher's room or calling the school: '授業に遅れます' (I will be late for class).

寝坊して学校に遅れます。

You will also hear this word in social situations, such as meeting friends. Even in casual contexts, Japanese people typically send a quick message on LINE saying 'ごめん、5分遅れる！' (Sorry, I'll be 5 mins late!). The culture dictates that making someone wait without notice is rude.

Delivery Services: Delivery drivers or postal workers might call to say '配達が遅れます' (The delivery will be delayed) due to weather or traffic.

荷物の到着が遅れます。

台風でフライトが遅れます。

Beyond physical lateness, you might hear the word in more abstract contexts on the news or in documentaries, such as '時代に遅れる' (to fall behind the times) or '作業が遅れている' (the work is falling behind schedule). Recognizing the context will help you understand whether the delay is a minor inconvenience or a major structural issue.

When learning how to use 遅れます (okuremasu), students frequently encounter a few specific stumbling blocks. These mistakes usually stem from direct translation from English or a misunderstanding of Japanese particle rules. The most prevalent error is the misuse of the particle を (wo). In English, we say 'I missed the train' or 'I am late for the meeting', which makes the meeting feel like a direct object. However, in Japanese, 遅れる is an intransitive verb.

Particle Error: Incorrect: 会議を遅れます (Kaigi wo okuremasu). Correct: 会議に遅れます (Kaigi ni okuremasu).

約束に遅れます。

Another common mistake is confusing the verb 遅れる (to be late) with the adjective 遅い (osoi - slow/late). If you want to say 'You are late', you might be tempted to say 'あなたは遅れます', but this sounds unnatural, like a prediction ('You will be late'). Instead, you should use the past tense '遅れましたね' (You were late) or the adjective '遅いですね' (You are late/slow).

バスが遅れています。

Learners also struggle with the tense when apologizing. When you arrive late and want to apologize, you must use the te-form to connect the state of being late with the apology. Saying '遅れます。すみません。' sounds disjointed ('I will be late. Sorry.'). The correct phrasing is '遅れてすみません' (Being late, I am sorry).

Apology Tense: Always use the te-form (遅れて) when apologizing upon arrival, not the dictionary or masu form.

返事が遅れてすみません。

A fourth mistake involves time durations. When stating how late you will be, do not attach a particle to the time word.

Time Duration: Incorrect: 10分に遅れます。 Correct: 10分遅れます (I will be 10 minutes late).

少し遅れますが、向かっています。

提出が遅れます。

By paying close attention to particles, distinguishing between adjectives and verbs, and mastering the te-form for apologies, learners can avoid these common pitfalls and use the word with native-like fluency.

The Japanese language has several words that relate to the concept of being late, delayed, or slow, and distinguishing between them is key to achieving fluency. While 遅れます (okuremasu) is the most general and widely used term for missing a scheduled time, there are specific nuances attached to its synonyms. One of the most important distinctions is between 遅れる and 間に合わない (maniawanai).

間に合わない (Maniawanai): Means 'to not make it in time'. While 遅れる implies you will still arrive (just late), 間に合わない often implies a failure to meet the deadline or catch the transport entirely.

電車に遅れます。(I will be late for the train - but I might still catch it if it's delayed too).

Another highly relevant word is 遅刻する (chikoku suru). This is a formal noun-verb combination that specifically means 'to arrive late for an appointment, school, or work'. You would not use 遅刻する for a train being delayed; it strictly applies to human punctuality.

遅刻する (Chikoku suru): Specifically used for human tardiness to school, work, or official appointments. It carries a slightly more negative, official weight than simply saying 遅れる.

学校に遅れます。(I will be late for school).

We must also consider the adjective 遅い (osoi), which means 'slow' or 'late in the day'. If someone is walking slowly, their walking is 遅い. If it is 11:00 PM, the time is 遅い.

遅い (Osoi): An i-adjective describing the speed of an action or the lateness of a time, rather than the failure to meet a schedule.

予定より遅れます。

For systemic delays, such as a project falling behind schedule, you might encounter the word 滞る (todokooru), which means to stagnate or be delayed in progress. This is much more advanced and formal.

支払いが遅れます。

出発が遅れます。

Understanding these synonyms allows you to express exactly what kind of delay is happening—whether it's a personal failure to arrive on time, a systemic transport issue, a lack of speed, or a missed deadline entirely.

How Formal Is It?

难度评级

需要掌握的语法

按水平分级的例句

すみません、遅れます。

I'm sorry, I will be late.

Basic polite form of the verb.

バスが遅れます。

The bus will be late.

Using the particle が (ga) for the subject.

あした、遅れます。

Tomorrow, I will be late.

Combining with a simple time word.

遅れて、すみません。

Sorry for being late.

Te-form used for apology.

電車、遅れますか？

Will the train be late?

Question form using か (ka).

はい、遅れます。

Yes, it will be late.

Affirmative response.

いいえ、遅れません。

No, it will not be late.

Negative polite form.

じかんが遅れます。

The time will be delayed.

Basic subject marking.

学校に遅れます。

I will be late for school.

Using に (ni) to mark the destination.

会議に10分遅れます。

I will be 10 minutes late for the meeting.

Adding a time duration without a particle.

雨ですから、遅れます。

Because it is raining, I will be late.

Using から (kara) for reason.

電車が遅れています。

The train is currently delayed.

Progressive form ています (te imasu).

約束に遅れないでください。

Please do not be late for the appointment.

Negative request form ないでください (naide kudasai).

きのう、授業に遅れました。

Yesterday, I was late for class.

Past polite form ました (mashita).

少し遅れますが、行きます。

I will be a little late, but I will go.

Using が (ga) as 'but'.

バスが遅れたので、歩きました。

Because the bus was late, I walked.

Using ので (node) for reason in the past tense.

寝坊してしまって、遅れました。

I accidentally overslept, so I was late.

Using てしまう (te shimau) for regret/accident.

事故の影響で、電車が遅れるそうです。

I hear the train will be delayed due to an accident.

Using そうです (sou desu) for hearsay.

もし遅れるなら、連絡してください。

If you are going to be late, please contact me.

Using なら (nara) for conditional.

出発時間を遅らせましょう。

Let's delay the departure time.

Causative form 遅らせる (okuraseru).

彼は決して約束に遅れない人です。

He is a person who is never late for appointments.

Modifying a noun with a negative verb phrase.

道が混んでいたため、遅れてしまいました。

Because the roads were crowded, I ended up being late.

Using ため (tame) for formal reason.

遅れないように、早く家を出ました。

I left home early so as not to be late.

Using ように (you ni) for purpose.

飛行機の到着が1時間遅れています。

The airplane's arrival is delayed by one hour.

Using a noun phrase (到着) as the subject.

お返事が遅くなり、申し訳ございません。

I sincerely apologize for the delay in my reply.

Formal business apology using adjective form 遅く (osoku).

悪天候により、電車の運行が遅れております。

Due to bad weather, train operations are delayed.

Humble/polite progressive form ております (te orimasu).

納品が遅れる場合は、事前にお知らせください。

In the event that delivery is delayed, please notify us in advance.

Using 場合は (baai wa) for 'in the case of'.

彼は時代に遅れた考え方をしている。

He has an old-fashioned (behind the times) way of thinking.

Idiomatic usage: 時代に遅れる (jidai ni okureru).

プロジェクトの進行が予定より遅れています。

The progress of the project is delayed compared to the schedule.

Comparing with 予定より (yotei yori).

遅れを取り戻すために、残業しなければならない。

In order to make up for the delay, we must work overtime.

Using the noun form 遅れ (okure) with 取り戻す (torimodosu).

電車が遅延したため、遅延証明書をもらいました。

Because the train was delayed, I received a delay certificate.

Using the formal noun 遅延 (chien).

流行に遅れないように、常に情報をチェックしている。

I constantly check information so as not to fall behind the trends.

Idiomatic usage: 流行に遅れる (ryuukou ni okureru).

対応の遅れが、事態をさらに悪化させた。

The delay in response worsened the situation further.

Noun form used as the subject of a complex sentence.

他社に遅れをとらないよう、新製品の開発を急ぐ。

We are hurrying the development of new products so as not to fall behind other companies.

Idiom: 遅れをとる (okure wo toru - to be beaten/fall behind).

わずかな遅れが命取りになる厳しい業界だ。

It's a harsh industry where a slight delay can be fatal.

Advanced vocabulary integration (命取り - inochitori).

政府の対応が後手に回り、対策が遅れたと批判されている。

The government is criticized for being reactive and delayed in its countermeasures.

Passive voice 批判されている combined with complex reason.

発送が遅れましたこと、深くお詫び申し上げます。

I deeply apologize for the fact that the shipping was delayed.

Highly formal written keigo: こと、深くお詫び申し上げます。

時代遅れのシステムを刷新する必要がある。

There is a need to revamp the outdated system.

Compound noun: 時代遅れ (jidai-okure).

列車の遅れを見越して、早めに自宅を出発した。

Anticipating train delays, I left home early.

Using 見越して (mikoshite - anticipating) with the noun form.

彼の到着が遅れれば遅れるほど、皆の不安は募っていった。

The more his arrival was delayed, the more everyone's anxiety grew.

Conditional repetition: 〜ば〜ほど (the more... the more).

初動の遅れが悔やまれてならない。

The delay in the initial response is deeply regrettable.

Literary grammar: 〜てならない (cannot help but...).

文明の進歩に遅れまいと、必死に食らいつく。

Desperately clinging on so as not to be left behind by the progress of civilization.

Classical negative volitional: 〜まいと (mai to).

一歩遅れれば、その機会は永遠に失われていただろう。

Had we been one step late, that opportunity would have been lost forever.

Counterfactual conditional in a literary style.

遅ればせながら、ご結婚のお祝いを申し上げます。

Although it is late, I would like to offer my congratulations on your marriage.

Set formal phrase: 遅ればせながら (okurebasenagara - belatedly).

時流に遅れることは、すなわち市場からの退場を意味する。

Falling behind the current of the times means, in other words, exiting the market.

Academic/philosophical structure using すなわち (sunawachi).

彼の才能は、遅咲きではあったが、見事に開花した。

His talent, though late-blooming, blossomed beautifully.

Compound noun: 遅咲き (osozaki - late bloomer).

対応の遅滞は免れず、責任問題に発展する見通しだ。

A delay in response is unavoidable, and it is expected to develop into an issue of responsibility.

Using the highly formal synonym 遅滞 (chitai).

季節の歩みが遅れ、桜の開花が待ち遠しい。

The march of the seasons is delayed, and the blooming of the cherry blossoms is eagerly awaited.

Poetic/literary description of nature.

常见搭配

会議に遅れる

学校に遅れる

電車が遅れる

予定が遅れる

到着が遅れる

出発が遅れる

返事が遅れる

支払いが遅れる

少し遅れる

大幅に遅れる

常用短语

遅れてすみません

遅れて申し訳ありません

10分遅れます

電車が遅れています

少し遅れます

遅れないように

遅れを取り戻す

遅れが生じる

遅れをとる

遅ればせながら

容易混淆的词

遅れます vs 遅い (osoi) - Adjective meaning slow or late in the day.

遅れます vs 間に合わない (maniawanai) - Verb meaning to not make it in time at all.

遅れます vs 遅刻する (chikoku suru) - Noun/Verb specifically for arriving late to school/work.

习语与表达

容易混淆

遅れます vs

句型

如何使用

note

While 'okuremasu' is the standard polite form, be aware that in highly formal business settings, stating 'I will be late' directly can sometimes sound too blunt. Often, Japanese people will soften it by saying '到着が少し遅くなりそうです' (It seems my arrival will become a little late).

常见错误

Using the particle を (wo) instead of に (ni). (e.g., 会議を遅れます is WRONG).
Using the adjective 遅い (osoi) when you mean the verb 遅れる (okureru).
Saying '遅れます、すみません' upon arrival instead of the correct te-form '遅れてすみません'.
Adding the particle に after a time duration (e.g., 10分に遅れます is WRONG).
Forgetting to apologize when informing someone of a delay.

小贴士

Particle Mastery

Always associate 'okuremasu' with 'ni' (for the event) and 'ga' (for the subject). Create flashcards that include the particles, not just the verb. E.g., '[Noun] ni okuremasu'.

The Apology Rule

In Japan, lateness is a burden on others. Never state 'okuremasu' without a 'sumimasen' attached. It is considered extremely rude to simply announce your lateness without showing contrition.

Call Ahead

If you know you will be late, call or message immediately. Do not wait until the meeting time has passed. Proactive communication minimizes the negative impact of 'okuremasu'.

Station Announcements

Next time you are at a Japanese train station, listen closely to the speakers. You will almost certainly hear 'okurete orimasu' if there is bad weather. It's great real-world listening practice.

Learn 'Chikoku'

Pair your study of 'okuremasu' with the noun 'chikoku' (tardiness). While you say 'okuremasu' to explain you are late, your school will record it as a 'chikoku'.

No Particles for Time

Remember that time durations (5 minutes, 1 hour) do not take particles before 'okuremasu'. Just say 'go-fun okuremasu'. This is a very common beginner mistake.

Te-form for Arrival

Memorize 'okurete sumimasen' as a single chunk. This is the exact phrase you need the moment you walk through the door after being late.

Osoi vs Okureru

If your friend is walking too slowly, tell them 'osoi!' (You're slow!). If they miss the movie, tell them 'okureta ne' (You were late). Keep the adjective and verb separate.

Padding Your Time

In business, if you will be 5 minutes late, tell them you will be 10 minutes late ('juppun okuremasu'). Arriving earlier than your revised time shows you hurried.

Abstract Uses

Once you master the basics, try using it for abstract concepts. 'Jidai ni okureru' (to fall behind the times) makes you sound highly fluent and sophisticated.

记住它

记忆技巧

Imagine saying 'Oh, cool ray, ma! Sue is late!' (O-ku-re-ma-su) as you watch a cool ray of sunshine because you are waiting outside for your late friend Sue.

词源

From Old Japanese. The kanji 遅 (chi, oso-i, oku-reru) combines the 'movement' radical 辶 with 犀 (a slow beast), indicating slow movement. Over time, it evolved to mean missing a specific point in time.

文化背景

Train conductors will apologize profusely over the intercom for even a 1-minute delay, using highly polite forms like 'okurete orimasu'.

In business, '5 minutes early is on time'. If you arrive exactly at the start time, you are considered late. Always call ahead if you will be delayed.

在生活中练习

真实语境

对话开场白

"電車が遅れていますか？ (Is the train delayed?)"

"もし遅れたら、どうしますか？ (What will we do if we are late?)"

"日本の電車はめったに遅れませんね。 (Japanese trains rarely run late, do they?)"

"ごめんなさい、少し遅れます！ (Sorry, I'm going to be a little late!)"

"会議の時間を遅らせることはできますか？ (Is it possible to delay the meeting time?)"

日记主题

Write about a time you were very late for something important. Use 遅れました.

Describe what happens in your country when a train or bus is late.

Write an imaginary email to your Japanese boss explaining why you will be late tomorrow.

How do you feel when someone else is late for an appointment with you?

Explain the difference between 遅れる and 間に合わない in your own words.

常见问题

10 个问题

No, this is grammatically incorrect. '遅れる' is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object with the particle 'を' (wo). You must use the particle 'に' (ni) to indicate the event you are late for. The correct sentence is '会議に遅れます' (Kaigi ni okuremasu).

When you arrive, you should use the te-form of the verb to connect it to your apology. You say '遅れてすみません' (Okurete sumimasen), which literally translates to 'Being late, I am sorry'. Do not say '遅れます、すみません' as that sounds like you are apologizing for being late in the future.

遅れる (okureru) is a verb meaning to miss a scheduled time or be delayed. 遅い (osoi) is an i-adjective meaning 'slow' (in speed) or 'late' (in the day, like late at night). If a train is running behind schedule, it is 遅れている. If a train is a local train that moves slowly, it is 遅い.

You simply place the time duration directly before the verb without any particle. You say '十分遅れます' (Juppun okuremasu). Do not use the particle 'に' after the time duration; '十分に遅れます' is incorrect.

It is the humble and highly polite progressive form of '遅れています' (is delayed). You will hear this very frequently on train station announcements or from customer service representatives apologizing for a delay. It shows a high level of respect to the listener.

While grammatically correct, it is culturally too blunt. When speaking to a boss, you should always include an apology and a reason. For example: '申し訳ありません、電車の遅延で10分ほど遅れます' (I am very sorry, but due to a train delay, I will be about 10 minutes late).

It is a 'delay certificate' issued by railway companies when a train is delayed, usually by 5 minutes or more. Commuters take this small slip of paper to their school or workplace to prove that their tardiness was the fault of the train company, not their own.

Yes, '遅れる' can be used abstractly. If you are falling behind the rest of the class in your studies, you can say '勉強が遅れている' (My studies are falling behind). It is not limited only to physical arrival times.

The most direct opposite in the context of making an appointment is '間に合う' (maniau), which means 'to make it in time'. If you want to say something is early or ahead of schedule, you might use '早まる' (hayamaru) or '前倒しになる' (maedaoshi ni naru).

You use the negative request form. You take the negative plain form '遅れない' (okurenai) and add 'でください' (de kudasai). The phrase is '遅れないでください' (Okurenaide kudasai - Please do not be late).