Usage and Nuances
The verb 迟到 (chídào) specifically means to arrive later than the expected or scheduled time. It is commonly used in contexts like work, school, meetings, or appointments. When you say someone 迟到, it implies they failed to be punctual, which can carry a negative connotation depending on the situation.
Common Collocations
- 迟到几分钟 (be late by a few minutes): a typical way to specify how late someone is.
- 迟到罚款 (late penalty fee): used in workplaces or schools where being late has consequences.
- 不想迟到 (don’t want to be late): expresses intention to be punctual.
Register and Tone
迟到 is neutral but often used in formal or semi-formal contexts. It is not slang and is appropriate in both spoken and written Chinese. It can be softened by adding words like 有点 (a bit) or 加了点 (a little) to reduce bluntness.
Common Confusion
Don’t confuse 迟到 with 迟 (late) alone, which is an adjective or adverb. 迟到 is a verb phrase meaning the act of arriving late. Also, 迟到 differs from 迟缓 (slow or sluggish) which describes speed or movement rather than timing of arrival.