遅 (chí) - Slow & late

遅Tone 2

chí ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

遅 · chí

Slow;

late;

delayed;

sluggish;

to retard.

Slowlatedelayed

Usage highlights

To be lateSlowDelayTo postponeLate paymentLate bloomer

Synonyms

  • 慢— slow (in speed)
  • 晚— late (in time)
  • 缓— slow, gradual

Antonyms

  • 快— fast, quick
  • 早— early
  • 速— rapid, speedy

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The train is running late (火车迟到了).
  • He responded slowly (他反应迟钝).
  • Please do not be late (请不要迟到).
  • A delayed flight (延迟的航班).

Collocations

  • To be late(迟到)
  • Slow-witted(迟钝)
  • Delay(延迟)
  • To postpone(推迟)
  • Slow-moving(迟缓)
  • Late payment(迟付)

Idioms

  • Marrying or achieving success late in life(姗姗来迟)
  • Slow to act and miss the opportunity(迟疑不决)
  • Better late than never(亡羊补牢，犹未迟也)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, punctuality is highly valued, making '迟' (chí) a word with negative connotations in many social contexts.
  • The concept is sometimes associated with the philosophical idea of 'waiting for the right moment' rather than mere slowness.
  • In historical texts, '迟' can describe a deliberate, measured pace, reflecting a virtue of caution and thoughtfulness.

FAQ