Meanings of 迟到
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Podcast: 迟到
Podcast: 迟到
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AI study notes for 迟到
晚到 (wǎn dào) - use 迟到 when emphasizing a habitual lateness or lack of respect, while 晚到 simply indicates arriving later than expected without the same connotation.
Be mindful of the tone when saying 迟到; it can sound different if pronounced incorrectly. In casual contexts, you might hear it used with the phrase '我迟到了' (wǒ chí dào le), meaning 'I am late.' Avoid using this term in very formal settings without proper context, as it might seem too casual.
As an HSK Level 3 word, 迟到 connects well with other verbs related to time and punctuality. Students should focus on using it in sentences to reinforce its meaning and practice with time-related vocabulary, such as 准时 (zhǔn shí, 'on time') and 提前 (tí qián, 'to arrive early').
Learners often confuse 迟到 with other time-related terms, such as 早到 (zǎo dào, 'to arrive early'). For example, saying '我早到了' (wǒ zǎo dào le) when you mean 'I am late' is incorrect; instead, use '我迟到了' (wǒ chí dào le).
Pronunciation of 迟到
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Component characters
How to say to arrive late in Chinese
“to arrive late” in Chinese is迟到
迟到 (chí dào) means 'to arrive late' and is commonly used in both formal and informal situations. It can refer to being late for appointments, meetings, or events. The nuance often implies a minor inconvenience, but it can also suggest a lack of respect for others' time if it happens frequently.
When to use 迟到
Be mindful of the tone when saying 迟到; it can sound different if pronounced incorrectly. In casual contexts, you might hear it used with the phrase '我迟到了' (wǒ chí dào le), meaning 'I am late.' Avoid using this term in very formal settings without proper context, as it might seem too casual.
迟到 or something close to it
晚到 (wǎn dào) - use 迟到 when emphasizing a habitual lateness or lack of respect, while 晚到 simply indicates arriving later than expected without the same connotation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 迟到 with other time-related terms, such as 早到 (zǎo dào, 'to arrive early'). For example, saying '我早到了' (wǒ zǎo dào le) when you mean 'I am late' is incorrect; instead, use '我迟到了' (wǒ chí dào le).
Write 迟到
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Grammar patterns of 迟到
迟到 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他总是____。
He is always late.
Example sentences for 迟到 (10)
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Cultural Notes for 迟到
In many Western cultures, arriving a few minutes late might be considered socially acceptable, but in China, punctuality is often expected, making 迟到 a more serious concern.
Frequently asked questions about 迟到
You can say '我今天迟到了' (wǒ jīntiān chí dào le) which means 'I arrived late today.'
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