遅刻

• Reading: ちこく
• Romaji: chikoku
• Kanji breakdown: 遅 (chi/osoi) — late, slow; 刻 (koku) — time, engrave
• Pronunciation: /tɕi.ko.kɯ/

Meaning

Being late; tardiness. Arriving after the scheduled or expected time.

A noun that functions as a suru verb (遅刻する). Very commonly used in school and work contexts: 学校に遅刻する (to be late for school), 会議に遅刻する (to be late for a meeting). In Japanese culture, punctuality is highly valued, making 遅刻 carry a strong negative connotation. Often paired with 理由 (reason) when explaining tardiness.

Examples

1. 電車が遅れて会社に遅刻してしまった。 The train was delayed, so I ended up being late for work.
2. 遅刻しないように早めに家を出た。 I left the house early so I wouldn't be late.
3. 今学期は一度も遅刻をしていない。 I haven't been late once this semester.

Usage Guide

Context: school, work, daily life

Tone: apologetic

Origin & History

Compound of 遅 (chi, late/slow) and 刻 (koku, time/moment). Together, 'late for the appointed time.' The kanji 刻 originally meant carving or engraving — time was once marked by carving notches.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal