Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Delay" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "delay", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
滞り
とどこおり (todokoori)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
履行遅滞
りこうちたい (rikouchitai)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "delay" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 滞り and 履行遅滞.
In Japanese, 滞り (とどこおり (todokoori)) is typically associated with "delay, stagnation, hindrance, arrears" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 物事が順調に進まない状態や、支払いが滞っている状態を指します。Can be used for physical flow.
On the other hand, 履行遅滞 (りこうちたい (rikouchitai)) maps to "delay in performance" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "delay" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "滞り"
計画に滞りが生じ、完成が遅れた。
A delay occurred in the plan, and completion was postponed.
Bilingual Context for "履行遅滞"
私は履行遅滞に興味があります。
I am interested in delay in performance.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "計画に ＿＿＿ が生じ、完成が遅れた。" (Meaning: "A delay occurred in the plan, and completion was postponed.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "滞り" fits here because it means "delay, stagnation, hindrance, arrears" in the context of: "A delay occurred in the plan, and completion was postponed.". "履行遅滞" represents "delay in performance".