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).
電車が遅れています。
The train is delayed.
遅れそうです。
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.
電車が遅れています。
The train is delayed.
会議の開始が遅れた。
The start of the meeting was delayed.
A more formal term, often used in official announcements or written contexts, especially for transportation.
台風のため、飛行機に遅延が発生しています。
Due to the typhoon, flights are experiencing delays.
Literally 'a delay comes out', used when a delay arises or occurs, often in schedules or processes.
工事に遅れが出ている。
The construction is experiencing delays.
To say that a person is late or will be late.
Same verb as above, but used for people. Often used with に to indicate what they are late for.
Specifically means 'to be late' for an appointment, school, or work. More formal than 遅れる when referring to people.
遅刻しないでください。
Please don't be late.
To say that a project, plan, or task is behind schedule.
Again, the basic verb works for projects and tasks.
プロジェクトが遅れている。
The project is delayed.
Means 'to fall behind' in a competitive sense or in progress compared to others.
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.
We are falling behind our competitors.