耽误

• 拼音: dān wu
• 汉字拆解: 耽 = 耳 + 冘 (to linger); 误 = 讠 + 吴 (to err, to miss)

含义

To delay; to miss (an opportunity, deadline, or chance); to cause harm or loss through delay.

Stronger than 耽搁, implying that the delay has led to a tangible negative consequence. Commonly used in contexts of missed opportunities, delayed medical treatment, or failed deadlines.

例句

1. 治病不能耽误，一旦发现症状要立即就医。
2. 他的优柔寡断耽误了整个团队的工作进展。
3. 由于长期缺课，她耽误了大量的学业。

用法指南

语境: health, work, education, time

语气: concerned

正确说法

• 病情严重，不能再耽误了，必须马上手术。(The condition is serious — we cannot delay any longer; surgery must begin immediately.)
• 你耽误了最佳的治疗时机，现在恢复会更难。(You missed the optimal treatment window, making recovery much harder now.)

错误说法

• 耽搁 and 耽误 are not always interchangeable — 耽误 implies a negative consequence has already occurred, while 耽搁 is a neutral delay; do not use 耽误 for minor inconveniences

起源与历史

耽 (to linger, delay) + 误 (to err, to miss)

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal