Meanings of 耽误
By ear
Play it, then pick what 耽误 means.
About 耽误
Podcast: 耽误
Podcast: 耽误
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 耽误
耽误 (dānwù) vs 延误 (yánwù) — use 耽误 when the delay causes inconvenience or disruption, while 延误 is more neutral and refers to a delay without necessarily implying negative consequences.
A common mistake is to confuse 耽误 with other similar verbs like 延误 (yánwù), which typically refers to more formal delays, such as in transportation. This word is generally used in informal contexts and can be combined with nouns like 会议 (huìyì, meeting) to specify what is being delayed. Be mindful of the tones; mispronouncing can change the meaning.
As an HSK Level 5 word, 耽误 connects well with other verbs that describe actions affecting time and tasks. Students should focus on using it in sentences that illustrate time management or the consequences of procrastination, linking it with other related vocabulary from this level.
Learners often mistakenly use 耽误 in situations where 延误 would be more appropriate, such as in formal contexts like transportation delays. For example, saying '火车耽误了' (Huǒchē dānwùle) instead of '火车延误了' (Huǒchē yánwùle) is incorrect.
Pronunciation of 耽误
Drill the tone of 耽误 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 耽误 to You
Let me explain 耽误 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 耽误 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 耽误?
Learning Lab
Knowing 耽误 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say to delay in Chinese
“to delay” in Chinese is耽误
The verb 耽误 (dānwù) refers to the act of delaying or wasting time, often in a way that causes inconvenience or disruption. It can be used in various contexts, such as missing appointments or hindering progress on a task. The nuance suggests a negative impact, emphasizing the loss of time or opportunity.
When to use 耽误
A common mistake is to confuse 耽误 with other similar verbs like 延误 (yánwù), which typically refers to more formal delays, such as in transportation. This word is generally used in informal contexts and can be combined with nouns like 会议 (huìyì, meeting) to specify what is being delayed. Be mindful of the tones; mispronouncing can change the meaning.
耽误 or something close to it
耽误 (dānwù) vs 延误 (yánwù) — use 耽误 when the delay causes inconvenience or disruption, while 延误 is more neutral and refers to a delay without necessarily implying negative consequences.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 耽误 in situations where 延误 would be more appropriate, such as in formal contexts like transportation delays. For example, saying '火车耽误了' (Huǒchē dānwùle) instead of '火车延误了' (Huǒchē yánwùle) is incorrect.
Write 耽误
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 耽误 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 耽误?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 耽误
You can say '我耽误了时间' (Wǒ dānwùle shíjiān), meaning 'I wasted time.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 耽误?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.