Meanings of 拖延
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Podcast: 拖延
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AI Study Notes for 拖延
拖延 (tuōyán) vs 延迟 (yánchí) — use 拖延 for procrastination with a personal element, while 延迟 refers to a delay that may not involve personal choice.
Learners often confuse 拖延 with similar verbs like 推迟 (tuīchí, to postpone) or 延迟 (yánchí, to delay), but 拖延 carries a nuance of procrastination with a negative connotation. It is generally used in informal contexts, but can be serious in formal discussions about productivity. Be mindful of the tone: it should be pronounced with a neutral intonation.
As an HSK 6 word, 拖延 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to time management and productivity. Students should focus on using it in sentences that reflect real-life scenarios, such as work or study habits, to grasp its full implications.
Learners often misuse 拖延 by saying 拖延时间 (tuōyán shíjiān) to mean 'to delay time,' which is incorrect; instead, use 拖延任务 (tuōyán rènwu) for 'to procrastinate on tasks.' Remember, 拖延 emphasizes the act of procrastination itself.
Pronunciation of 拖延
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Component Characters
How to say to adjourn in Chinese
“to adjourn” in Chinese is拖延
拖延 (tuōyán) means to delay or procrastinate, often in the context of putting off tasks or decisions. It is commonly used to describe a situation where someone postpones their responsibilities, leading to negative consequences. This term can apply to both personal and professional settings, highlighting a struggle against time management.
When to use 拖延
Learners often confuse 拖延 with similar verbs like 推迟 (tuīchí, to postpone) or 延迟 (yánchí, to delay), but 拖延 carries a nuance of procrastination with a negative connotation. It is generally used in informal contexts, but can be serious in formal discussions about productivity. Be mindful of the tone: it should be pronounced with a neutral intonation.
拖延 or something close to it
拖延 (tuōyán) vs 延迟 (yánchí) — use 拖延 for procrastination with a personal element, while 延迟 refers to a delay that may not involve personal choice.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 拖延 by saying 拖延时间 (tuōyán shíjiān) to mean 'to delay time,' which is incorrect; instead, use 拖延任务 (tuōyán rènwu) for 'to procrastinate on tasks.' Remember, 拖延 emphasizes the act of procrastination itself.
Write 拖延
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Grammar Patterns of 拖延
拖延 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. It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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看起来那像是个会____多年的大烂摊子。
That seems like a horrible mess that will drag on for years.
Example Sentences for 拖延 (1)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 拖延
Yes, 拖延 generally has a negative connotation, implying irresponsibility or lack of productivity.
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