In the journey of learning Chinese, grasping everyday vocabulary is essential. One common term that often comes up in daily conversation is 遲到 (chídào), meaning “to be late.” This article delves into the meaning, grammatical structure, and provides numerous example sentences using 遲到. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this comprehensive guide is for you!
What Does 遲到 (Chídào) Mean?
遲到 (chídào) is a verb typically used in various contexts related to tardiness or lateness. It is commonly utilized when talking about being late for appointments, classes, or any scheduled events. The direct translation in English is “to arrive late” or “to be late.” Understanding its usage can greatly enhance your conversational skills in Chinese.
The Grammatical Structure of 遲到 (Chídào)
To fully comprehend the term 遲到, it’s essential to break down its components:
- 遲 (chí) – This character means “late” or “delayed.” It is an adjective that describes a state of being behind schedule.
- 到 (dào) – This character means “to arrive” or “to reach.” It is a verb that indicates the act of arriving at a destination.
When combined, 遲到 forms a compound verb that expresses the action of arriving later than expected. The structure follows the typical Subject-Verb-Object pattern commonly seen in Chinese sentences.
Sentence Structure
In practical application, you can use 遲到 in various sentence structures:
- Subject + 遲到 + Time/Event
- Subject + 是 + 遲到 + Time/Event
Example Sentences Using 遲到 (Chídào)
Now, let’s explore some sentences that illustrate the use of 遲到 in context:
Simple Sentences
- I am late for class.
我上课迟到了。
(Wǒ shàngkè chídàole.) - She was late to the meeting.
她开会迟到了。
(Tā kāihuì chídàole.) - He is always late for dinner.
他晚餐总是迟到。
(Tā wǎncān zǒng shì chídào.)
Complex Sentences
- Since I left home late, I arrived late to work.
因为我家里迟到, 所以我上班迟到了。
(Yīnwèi wǒ jiālǐ chídào, suǒyǐ wǒ shàngbān chídàole.) - If you don’t hurry, you will be late for the movie.
如果你不快点, 你会迟到看电影。
(Rúguǒ nǐ bù kuài diǎn, nǐ huì chídào kàn diànyǐng.) - Being late isn’t polite.
迟到是不礼貌的。
(Chídào shì bù lǐmào de.)
Common Expressions and Variations of 遲到 (Chídào)
In addition to directly using 遲到, you’ll find several expressions in Chinese culture that pertain to being late:
- 我迟到了 (Wǒ chídàole) – “I am late.”
- 要迟到了 (Yào chídào le) – “I am going to be late.”
- 别迟到 (Bié chídào) – “Don’t be late!”
Conclusion
Understanding the term 遲到 (chídào) not only helps with your vocabulary but also enhances your ability to engage in daily conversations in Chinese. By grasping its meaning, grammatical structure, and practical applications, you can better navigate social scenarios where punctuality is a topic of discussion. Remember, practice makes perfect, so try to incorporate 遲到 into your daily language use!

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