遅れる vs 遅延する
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 遅れる
Listen to 遅延する
| 遅れる | 遅延する |
|---|---|
o-KE-re-ru verb (intransitive) | ちえんする (chien suru) verb (intransitive) |
| to be late; to be delayed (intransitive) | to be delayed (formal/technical) |
How they differ
遅れる is everyday and flexible for people or objects being late; 遅延する is more formal and technical, typically used in announcements, reports, or official contexts to describe delays (e.g., trains, flights, systems).
When to use each
When to use 遅れる: Prefer 遅れる in casual conversation or when speaking naturally about being late.
When to use 遅延する: Prefer 遅延する in formal announcements, written reports, or technical contexts describing a delay.
Side-by-side examples
- 列車が遅れるとアナウンスがあった。
(There was an announcement that the train would be delayed.) - 列車は事故の影響で遅延しています。
(Trains are delayed due to an accident.)
Register & nuance: 遅延する is formal and commonly found in public announcements, timetables, and written notices rather than casual conversation.