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How to Say ‘Too late’ in Traditional Chinese

太晚了

tài wǎn le

[tie wahn luh]

💬 Usage Tip: Adjectives can make a full sentence by themselves in Chinese, so [太晚了] does not need [是]. The [了] here adds the sense of "that's too late" as a current situation or conclusion.

Phrase Breakdown

太晚

tài wǎn

[tie wahn]

too late

Describes a time that is later than is suitable.

Example

現在訂位太晚。

It is too late to make a reservation now.

le

[luh]

sentence particle indicating a new situation

Often added to show a change of state or to complete a statement.

Example

時間太晚了,我們改天吧。

It’s too late, so let’s do it another day.

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