noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective, noun
a little late; somewhat late
Describes something happening or being done later than usual or expected. Often used with time expressions or events.
I had a somewhat late lunch today.
I woke up a bit later than usual today.
He went to work a little later than usual.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective, noun
a little slow; somewhat slow
Describes a pace, speed, or progress that is slower than average or expected. Can refer to physical movement, work, or development.
This train is running at a somewhat slow speed.
His work is a little slow but careful.
I decided to run at a somewhat slow pace.
I decided to have breakfast a bit later than usual.
This work is progressing a bit slower than usual.
遅れ is a noun meaning 'a delay' or 'lateness', whereas 遅め is a degree word meaning 'somewhat late/slow' and doesn't imply being behind schedule.
Standard kanji spelling.
Rarely used kanji form.
Formed from the stem of 遅い (おそい, 'late/slow') + the suffix ～め, which indicates a moderate degree or tendency.