Japanese word

遅い

Pronunciation

Romajiosoi

Meaning

  • i-adjectiveslow

Example

この車は遅いです。ko no kuruma wa oso i de su

This car is slow.

Illustration for 遅い (slow)

More examples

弟は歩くのが遅いです。otōto wa aru ku no ga oso i de su

My little brother walks slowly.

メールの返事が遅くて、友達を心配させました。mē ru no hen ji ga oso ku te tomo dachi o shin pai sa se ma shi ta

My slow reply made my friend worry.

Core concept

Describes something as taking more time than expected or happening after the expected time.

Common phrases

  • 返事が遅いhen ji ga oso i

    be slow to reply

  • 帰りが遅いkae ri ga oso i

    come home late

  • 歩くのが遅いaru ku no ga oso i

    walk slowly

Similar words

のろいnoroi: Describes movement or progress that is slow and lacks quickness.

Definition in Japanese

動作や進み方に時間がかかるさま。また、予定した時刻よりあとになるさま。dō sa ya susu mi kata ni ji kan ga ka ka ru sa ma ma ta yo tei shi ta ji koku yo ri a to ni na ru sa ma

Word origin

The native Japanese adjective 遅い (osoi) is inherited Japanese vocabulary rather than a loanword, and its meaning covers both slow movement and lateness.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may associate slow only with speed, but 遅い (osoi) also describes a person or event that is late.

Other meanings

  • latei-adjective

Opposites

  • 速いhayaifasti-adjective

Related words

  • 遅さososaslownessnoun

Word lists with this word