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March 24, 2026
迟(遲)chí(Chi2)
The character 迟 (chí) primarily means 'late' or 'delayed.' It can be used to describe someone who is tardy or an event that occurs later than expected. Additionally, it can function as a surname, particularly in Chinese families.
Strokes7Radical辶Frequency#1848DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, punctuality is highly valued, especially in business settings. Being '迟' is often viewed negatively, as it can imply disrespect towards others' time.
Memory Tip
Imagine a train that is '迟' (late) because it is moving 'slow' (慢), represented by the left side of the character. Picture the train carrying the surname 'Chi' and arriving at the station after everyone else, making them all wait. The visual of a delayed train can help you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 迟
chí(Chi2)
1late
2delayed
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 迟
迟Simplified
遲Traditional
7Strokes
辶Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#1848Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 迟
Podcast: 迟
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AI Study Notes for 迟
Quick Contrast
迟 (chí) vs 晚 (wǎn) — use 迟 for delays or tardiness, while 晚 typically refers to the time of day or being late in a more general sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a train that is '迟' (late) because it is moving 'slow' (慢), represented by the left side of the character. Picture the train carrying the surname 'Chi' and arriving at the station after everyone else, making them all wait. The visual of a delayed train can help you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 迟 (chí) with 晚 (wǎn), which also means 'late' but is more often used for the time of day. 迟 is more formal and can describe things or actions. Be mindful of its negative connotation when used to describe someone’s punctuality.
HSK Study Tips
Although 迟 is not in the HSK lists, it connects with the HSK 2 word 晚 (wǎn). Focus on the usage of both words in contexts such as time management and punctuality to enhance comprehension at this level.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, punctuality is highly valued, especially in business settings. Being '迟' is often viewed negatively, as it can imply disrespect towards others' time.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 迟 (chí) with 晚 (wǎn) and may use them interchangeably, leading to awkward phrases. For example, saying '我迟到晚了' instead of '我迟到了' (I arrived late). Correct usage would be saying '我迟到了' to indicate you're late.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 迟
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Grammar Patterns of 迟
迟 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
In Chinese culture, punctuality is highly valued, especially in business settings. Being '迟' is often viewed negatively, as it can imply disrespect towards others' time.
Word Family of 迟
Words Containing This Character20
迟到chídàoto arrive late遲到
迟chílate遲
推迟tuīchíto postpone推遲
迟早chízǎosooner or later遲早
迟迟chíchíslow遲遲
延迟to delay延遲
迟钝chídùnslow in one's reactions遲鈍
迟疑chíyíto hesitate遲疑
迟缓chíhuǎnslow遲緩
姗姗来迟to be late姍姍來遲
迟滞delay遲滯
凌迟the lingering death凌遲
尉迟surname Yuchi尉遲
事不宜迟there's no time to lose事不宜遲
迟延to delay遲延
迟暮past one's prime遲暮
迟浩田Chi Haotian (1929-), Chinese Minister of National Defense 1993-2003遲浩田
尉迟恭General Yuchi Gong (585-658), famous military man instrumental in founding the Tang dynasty尉遲恭
至迟at the latest至遲
迟误to delay遲誤
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 迟到 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 迟
Synonyms for 迟 (chí) include '慢' (màn), which means 'slow,' and '晚' (wǎn), which means 'late' in certain contexts. These words can be used interchangeably depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Yes, 迟 (Chí) is a recognized surname in China, though it is not among the most common. Surnames in China often carry historical significance and can be linked to familial lineage.
You can use 迟 (chí) in sentences to describe lateness or delays. For example, '我迟到了' (Wǒ chí dào le) means 'I am late.' It can also be used to express that something is slow, such as '他的进步很迟' (Tā de jìnbù hěn chí), meaning 'His progress is very slow.'
迟 (chí) means 'late' or 'delayed' in Chinese. It can also be used to describe something that is slow. Additionally, 迟 is a surname in Chinese culture.
While both mean 'late,' 迟 is more formal and often refers to delays in actions or events, while 晚 usually describes time of day.
Yes, you can describe someone as 迟 if they are tardy, but be cautious as it may carry a negative implication.
It's less common than 晚, but still relevant in formal contexts or when discussing delays.
