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How to Say ‘It's running a little late.’ in Japanese

少し遅れています。

sukoshi okure te i masu

[skoh-SHEE oh-KOO-reh teh ee mahs]

💬 Usage Tip: The 〜ています ending here describes an ongoing state, so 遅れています means "is behind (right now)," not "is getting late."

Phrase Breakdown

少し

sukoshi

[skoh-SHEE]

a little

Adverb meaning a small amount.

Example

砂糖を少し入れます。

I add a little sugar.

遅れ

okure

[oh-KOO-reh]

be delayed; fall behind

Stem of 遅れる, meaning something is late or behind schedule.

Example

電車が遅れました。

The train was delayed.

て

[teh]

and; -te form

A linking form used to connect verbs to following grammar, such as progressive or polite forms.

Example

仕事を探している人と話しました。

I spoke with a person who is looking for work.

い

[ee]

be; ongoing state part

Part of the continuous form that shows an action is currently happening.

Example

今も条件を比べている最中です。

I am still in the middle of comparing conditions.

ます

masu

[mahs]

polite present/future ending

ます makes a verb polite in present or future statements.

Example

予約します。

I will make a reservation.

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