迟迟

• Pinyin: chí chí
• Hanzi breakdown: 迟 = 辶 (movement) + 尺 (ruler, phonetic) = late/slow. Reduplicated for emphasis.

Meaning

Slowly; tardily; for a long time without result. Indicating prolonged delay.

An adverb emphasizing that something expected has not happened for a long time. Often used with negative expressions to show frustration or concern about delays.

Examples

1. 他迟迟不肯做出决定，让大家都很着急。 He kept delaying his decision, which made everyone anxious.
2. 快递迟迟没到，我打电话去问了一下。 The delivery was taking forever, so I called to ask about it.
3. 改革方案迟迟没有落实。 The reform plan has yet to be implemented for a long time.

Usage Guide

Context: delay, waiting, frustration

Tone: impatient

Do Say

• 消息迟迟没有传来。(The news has been slow in coming.)
• 他迟迟不肯开口。(He kept hesitating to speak.)

Don't Say

• 他迟迟到了 (迟迟 modifies 'not happening,' not 'happening' — use 很晚才 instead)

Origin & History

Reduplication of 迟 (late/slow) for emphasis. The doubling intensifies the sense of prolonged waiting or delay.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal