遅れ

• Reading: おくれ
• Romaji: okure
• Kanji breakdown: 遅 (oku/chi) — late, slow, behind
• Pronunciation: /o.kɯ.ɾe/

Meaning

Delay; lag; falling behind. The state of being late or behind schedule.

A noun derived from the verb 遅れる (to be late, to fall behind). Commonly used for train delays (電車の遅れ), schedule delays, and figuratively for being behind in work or development. Often paired with を取る (to fall behind) or が出る (a delay occurs).

Examples

1. 電車の遅れで会議に間に合わなかった。 I couldn't make it to the meeting because of a train delay.
2. 工事に遅れが出ているらしい。 Apparently there are delays in the construction work.
3. 他のチームに遅れを取りたくない。 I don't want to fall behind the other teams.

Usage Guide

Context: transportation, work, projects

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from the verb 遅れる (okureru, to be late). The kanji 遅 combines 辶 (movement radical) and an element suggesting slow movement.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal