Translation guide
The English word "late" covers several distinct meanings: arriving after the expected time, happening near the end of a period, being behind schedule, or referring to someone who has died. Japanese uses different words and patterns for each.
To describe a person, event, or thing that is not on time.
The most common verb for being late. Can be used for people, trains, payments, etc.
The train is late.
He is always late.
Specifically for being late to an appointment, class, or work. More formal than 遅れる.
I'm sorry I'm late for the meeting.
Adjective meaning 'slow' or 'late'. Can describe a person who is habitually late or an action that is delayed.
He is late in coming.
Sorry for the late reply.
To describe a time that is close to the end of a day, night, season, etc.
Adverbial form of 遅い, used with time expressions.
I worked until late at night.
I stay up late.
Adjective used before nouns to mean 'late' in a time sense.
Means 'late night' or 'midnight', often used in formal contexts like train schedules.
To describe a project, task, or person that is not progressing as planned.
To refer to someone who has died, often in formal or respectful contexts.
Prefix attached to a name or title to mean 'the late'. Used in formal writing and speech.
The late Mr. Tanaka was a great leader.
Literary or emotional term for 'deceased', often used in personal contexts.
Noun meaning 'the deceased' or 'the late person', used in formal or legal contexts.
The adjective 遅い (おそい) only means 'late' in time or speed. To refer to a deceased person, use 故 (こ) or 亡き (なき).
遅れる is a general verb for being late or delayed. 遅刻する specifically means being late for a scheduled event like a meeting or class, and is more formal.
The meeting started late.
It's getting late.
Don't call at a late hour.
I take the late-night bus.
A train delay occurred.
I remember my late father.
We respect the wishes of the deceased.