Usage and Nuances
The verb 耽误 (dānwù) primarily means 'to delay' or 'to hold up' something, often implying that the delay causes inconvenience or loss of valuable time. It is commonly used when talking about being late, postponing events, or wasting time unintentionally.
Common Contexts
- Being late due to unexpected circumstances: "路上耽误了时间" (delayed on the way).
- Delays caused by technical or external problems: "会议耽误了半个小时" (meeting delayed by half an hour).
- Advising against wasting or delaying important time: "别耽误了学习时间" (don’t delay study time).
Collocations and Patterns
- 耽误时间 (delay time): emphasizes loss or waste of time.
- 耽误工作/学习 (delay work/study): used to indicate that important tasks are being postponed.
- 不要耽误 (don’t delay): a common phrase to urge promptness.
Register and Tone
耽误 is neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It often carries a slightly negative connotation because it implies that the delay is undesirable or problematic.
Common Confusion
Don’t confuse 耽误 with 拖延 (tuōyán), which also means 'to delay' but often implies procrastination or intentional delay. 耽误 usually refers to accidental or unavoidable delays.