How to Say ‘Is the flight delayed?’ in Japanese
便は遅れていますか？
bin wa okure te i masu ka
[BEEN wa oku-re teh ee mahs ka]
💬 Usage Tip: 遅れています (okurete imasu) describes an ongoing state, "is running late right now". The plain past 遅れました would mean it already arrived late.
Phrase Breakdown
便は遅れて
bin wa okure te
the flight, being delayed
便 (bin) means 'flight' and は is read 'wa'. 遅れて (okurete) is the te-form of 遅れる (to be late).
便は遅れて着きました。
The flight arrived late.
Words in this phrase
便
bin
[BEEN]
flight
Used for a scheduled flight or transport service.
次の便は十時です。
The next flight is at ten.
は
wa
[wa]
topic marker
Marks what the sentence is about, often translated as 'as for.'
これはいいです。
As for this, it is good.
遅れ
okure
[oku-re]
be late
The stem of the verb meaning to be late.
面接に遅れないようにします。
I will make sure not to be late for the interview.
て
te
[teh]
te-form ending
て connects actions or makes polite requests and set expressions.
座ってください。
Please sit down.
いますか？
i masu ka
is it (currently)?
After a te-form, いますか (imasu ka) asks about an ongoing state. Say 'i-mas-ka'.
今、待っていますか？
Are you waiting now?
Words in this phrase
い
i
[ee]
to be; ongoing state
Part of the pattern expressing a current included state.
税金もい入っています。
Tax is also included.
ます
masu
[mahs]
polite verb ending
A polite ending attached to verbs in formal everyday speech.
ありますは丁寧な言い方です。
Arimasu is a polite way of saying it.
か
ka
[ka]
question marker
Placed at the end of a sentence to make it a question.
これは青ですか。
Is this blue?
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager