Translation and Meaning of: 遅れ - okure

The Japanese word 遅れ (おくれ) is a common term in everyday life in Japan, but it can cause confusion for language learners. If you've ever wondered about its meaning, how to use it in sentences, or even its origin, this article will clarify everything in a simple and straightforward manner. Here, we will explore everything from the basic translation to interesting facts about its cultural use, helping you understand why this word is so relevant in spoken and written Japanese.

Meaning and translation of 遅れ (おくれ)

遅れ (おくれ) is a noun that means "delay" or "lateness." It derives from the verb 遅れる (おくれる), which carries the same sense of something that does not happen in the expected time. In daily life, Japanese people use this word to refer to situations such as arriving late to work, deliveries that take longer than expected, or even in more subjective contexts, like personal development.

An interesting fact is that, although 遅れ is often associated with negative events, it can also appear in neutral contexts. For example, in phrases like "技術の遅れ" (technological delay), the word describes a lag without necessarily carrying a judgment. This flexibility makes it widely used in different situations.

Origin and writing of the kanji 遅

The kanji 遅 is composed of the radical 辶 (which indicates movement) combined with 犀 (an ancient character related to "slow"). This combination suggests the idea of something that moves not quickly, reinforcing the sense of delay. It is worth noting that this kanji also appears in other words, such as 遅刻 (ちこく), which means "tardiness" in the context of commitments.

From a historical perspective, the character 遅 has ancient records in Chinese writing, but it was adapted for Japanese with slight variations. Scholars point out that its visual structure aids in memorization, as the movement radical is one of the most recognized in kanji studies. For those who are learning, focusing on this detail can be a good strategy.

How 遅れ is used in everyday Japanese

In Japan, punctuality is taken very seriously, which is why the word 遅れ appears frequently in public notices, company announcements, and even in informal conversations. Phrases like "電車が遅れています" (the train is delayed) are common at stations, while at work you might hear "スケジュールに遅れが出る" (the schedule is delayed).

Culturally, it is important to note that the use of 遅れ can vary depending on the level of formality. In more serious situations, such as in corporate environments, Japanese people tend to replace it with more polite expressions, such as 遅延 (ちえん), which has a more technical tone. This nuance is essential for those who want to sound natural when speaking or writing.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 遅延 (Chien) - Delay, especially in contexts such as transport or communication.
• 遅滞 (Chitai) - Delay or procrastination, often in contexts of activity or performance.
• 遅れる (Okureru) - Being late, not arriving on time.
• 遅くなる (Osokunaru) - Staying later than expected, often related to time (such as sunset).
• 遅らせる (Okuraseru) - To delay something, or to postpone an action.