遅刻だよ
chikoku da yo
The phrase "your late" in Japanese is 遅刻だよ (chikoku da yo).
This phrase is used to tell someone that they have arrived after the expected or scheduled time. While English often uses the adjective "late" (osoi), this Japanese expression uses the noun 遅刻 to specifically denote the social transgression of being late to an appointment, school or work.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun 遅刻 (chikoku) refers to the act of being late or tardiness.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 遅刻だよ is informal and is typically used between friends, family members or by a superior to an inferior. For a polite version suitable for a teacher speaking to a student or a superior speaking to a subordinate in a formal setting, you would use 遅刻です.
How do you pronounce it?
chikoku da yo
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific term, 遅刻魔 (chikoku-ma), which literally translates to 'tardiness demon' to describe a person who is chronically late.
- The concept of 遅刻 is so socially heavy that Japanese railway companies issue official 'delay certificates' (遅延証明書) so employees can prove their tardiness was not their fault.
- The character 刻 in 遅刻 refers to 'carving' or 'engraving' time, which historically relates to how time was measured or marked by specific intervals.
Examples in context
- 遅刻だよ。Chikoku da yo.You're late.
- 今日は遅刻だよ。Kyō wa chikoku da yo.You are late today.
- また遅刻だよ。Mata chikoku da yo.You're late again.
Example conversation
A teacher is talking to a student who just walked into the classroom.
- 陽葵 Himari健太くん、遅刻だよ。Kenta-kun, chikoku da yo.Kenta, you're late.
- 健太 Kentaすみません、電車が遅れました。Sumimasen, densha ga okuremashita.I'm sorry, the train was delayed.
- 陽葵 Himari次は気をつけてね。Tsugi wa ki o tsukete ne.Be careful next time.
- 健太 Kentaはい、気をつけます。Hai, ki o tsukemasu.Yes, I will.
