Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing that something is delayed depends on whether you're talking about a schedule, a person being late, a train, or a project. The most common and versatile word is 遅れる (okureru).
The train is delayed.
I'm going to be late.
To say that something is behind schedule or later than planned.
The most common and versatile verb for 'be delayed' or 'be late'. Can be used for people, transportation, events, and schedules.
The train is delayed.
The start of the meeting was delayed.
A more formal term, often used in official announcements or written contexts, especially for transportation.
Literally 'a delay comes out', used when a delay arises or occurs, often in schedules or processes.
The construction is experiencing delays.
To say that a person is late or will be late.
To say that a project, plan, or task is behind schedule.
遅れる (okureru) is the general verb for 'be delayed/late' and can be used for anything. 遅刻する (chikoku suru) is specifically for people being late to an appointment, school, or work, and sounds more formal or serious.
遅延する (chien suru) is formal and mainly used in announcements or written reports. Using it in casual conversation about being late to meet a friend would sound unnatural.
Due to the typhoon, flights are experiencing delays.
他社に遅れをとっている。
We are falling behind our competitors.