Translation guide
The English phrase "fall behind" can refer to lagging in progress, being late with payments or work, or physically dropping back in a group. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each situation.
To fail to keep up with a schedule, work, or others' progress.
General verb for being late or delayed. Can be used for schedules, deadlines, or falling behind others.
I'm falling behind with work.
He is falling behind the other students in the class.
Literally 'to take a delay', meaning to fall behind or be at a disadvantage compared to others.
We are falling behind our competitors.
Kanji form of 遅れをとる, more common in written language.
I will try not to fall behind.
To fail to make payments on time, such as rent, bills, or loan installments.
To move more slowly than others and end up behind them, e.g., while walking or running.
The English phrase "fall behind" cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Using 落ちる (to fall) and 後ろ (behind) would not make sense. Use the verbs and phrases provided instead.
They suddenly started running, so I fell behind.