How to Say ‘The train was delayed.’ in Japanese
電車が遅れました。
densha ga okure mashi ta
[den-sha gah oku-re mah-shee tah]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Train delays are an accepted excuse in Japan, and stations even hand out delay certificates for work or school.
Phrase Breakdown
電車が
densha ga
the train (subject)
電車 means 'train', and が marks it as the subject. Say it 'den-sha ga'.
電車が来ました。
The train came.
Words in this phrase
電車
densha
[den-sha]
train
A train used for daily transportation, especially for commuting.
面接には電車で行きます。
I will go to the interview by train.
が
ga
[gah]
subject marker
A particle that marks the subject or the item being selected or described.
どれがいいですか。
Which one is good?
遅れました。
okure mashi ta
was late / was delayed
Polite past form of 遅れる (to be late). Say it 'o-ku-re-ma-shi-ta'. The 'i' in 'shi' is often almost silent.
バスが遅れました。
The bus was late.
Words in this phrase
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.
まし
mashi
[mah-shee]
polite past stem
Part of the polite past ending in a verb phrase.
昨日は多くのことを学びました。
I learned many things yesterday.
た
ta
[tah]
past tense ending
This ending completes the polite past tense form.
空席がございまし た。
There were vacant seats.
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