ci4遲迟
Jyutpingci4
Yalechìh
Definition
Late; tardy; happening after the expected or designated time.
colloquialtimedaily actions
How it's used
Use this word to describe being behind schedule or arriving after a set time. It functions as an adjective but often pairs with aspect markers like 咗 to indicate the state of having arrived late. Unlike formal written Chinese, it is the standard way to express lateness in any daily situation.
Examples
Why are you so late today?
I am worried I will be late for work tomorrow.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 晏, which primarily refers to the time of day being late, such as 晏晝 for afternoon or 瞓晏覺 for sleeping in late. While they overlap in some contexts, 遲 specifically focuses on missing a deadline or appointment.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
