run late
يتأخر
Wörtlich: to move or progress behind the expected time
Use 'run late' to warn someone you're behind schedule before you actually arrive.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used when you are behind your planned schedule.
- More polite and active than simply saying 'I am late'.
- Works for both people and events like meetings or trains.
Bedeutung
This phrase means you are behind schedule or won't arrive on time. It is a polite way to say you are currently in the process of being late.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Stuck in traffic
I'm running about ten minutes late because of the accident on the highway.
I'm running about ten minutes late because of the accident on the highway.
A meeting going over time
The morning session is running late, so lunch will start at 1:30 PM.
The morning session is running late, so lunch will start at 1:30 PM.
Texting a friend
So sorry! Running late as usual. Order me a latte?
So sorry! Running late as usual. Order me a latte?
Kultureller Hintergrund
In 'monochronic' cultures like the US, UK, and Germany, time is seen as a linear resource. 'Running late' is a linguistic tool used to manage expectations and maintain social harmony when that resource is poorly managed. It became a standard professional courtesy during the industrial era when precise scheduling became vital.
The '10-Minute Rule'
In the US, if you are 'running late' by more than 10-15 minutes, it's polite to send a text. If it's less than 5, you might not need to say anything at all!
Don't say 'Lately'
Never say 'I am running lately.' 'Lately' means 'recently' (e.g., 'I've been tired lately'). Stick to 'late' for time.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used when you are behind your planned schedule.
- More polite and active than simply saying 'I am late'.
- Works for both people and events like meetings or trains.
What It Means
Run late is your best friend when the clock is ticking faster than you. It describes a situation where you are behind your planned schedule. It doesn't just mean you are late right now. It means your whole day or a specific event is sliding past the deadline. Think of it as a 'status' rather than a single moment.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb phrase. You can say I am running late or The meeting is running late. It is very flexible. You can add time to it, like running 10 minutes late. It sounds much more active and responsible than just saying I am late. It implies you are trying your best but things aren't going your way.
When To Use It
Use it whenever your schedule gets messy. Use it when you are stuck in traffic. Use it when your previous meeting lasted too long. It is perfect for texting a friend when you're still at home but should be at the cafe. It is also great in the office. If a presentation is taking too long, tell the next group you are running late.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you haven't even started yet. If you forgot about the appointment entirely, running late feels like a lie. Also, avoid it for very serious, life-altering deadlines like a wedding or a surgery. In those cases, a more serious apology is needed. Don't use it for things that don't have a specific start time, like 'running late to take a nap'.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, especially in the US and UK, being on time is a sign of respect. However, everyone knows life is chaotic. Run late is the socially accepted 'buffer' phrase. It acts as a warning. By saying you are running late, you are giving the other person the gift of time. They can check their phone or grab a coffee while they wait for you.
Common Variations
You might hear run a bit late to make it sound less serious. If things are really bad, you are running way late. If a whole schedule is ruined, people say they are running behind. All of these tell the same story: the clock is winning, and you are losing!
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. The only 'gotcha' is ensuring you use the present continuous 'running' when the delay is happening now.
The '10-Minute Rule'
In the US, if you are 'running late' by more than 10-15 minutes, it's polite to send a text. If it's less than 5, you might not need to say anything at all!
Don't say 'Lately'
Never say 'I am running lately.' 'Lately' means 'recently' (e.g., 'I've been tired lately'). Stick to 'late' for time.
Softening the Blow
English speakers often add 'a little' or 'a bit' even if they are very late. It's a way to sound less aggressive about the delay.
Beispiele
6I'm running about ten minutes late because of the accident on the highway.
I'm running about ten minutes late because of the accident on the highway.
Adding a specific time makes the delay feel manageable.
The morning session is running late, so lunch will start at 1:30 PM.
The morning session is running late, so lunch will start at 1:30 PM.
Here, the event itself is the subject, not a person.
So sorry! Running late as usual. Order me a latte?
So sorry! Running late as usual. Order me a latte?
A very common informal way to apologize via text.
The doctor is running late today; thank you for your patience.
The doctor is running late today; thank you for your patience.
A formal way for staff to manage waiting patients.
I was born running five minutes late.
I was born running five minutes late.
Used to joke about one's own habit of being unpunctual.
If we don't leave now, we're going to be running late for the flight!
If we don't leave now, we're going to be running late for the flight!
Expresses urgency and worry about a deadline.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct form of the phrase to complete the sentence.
I'm so sorry, my bus didn't show up, so I'm ___.
We use the continuous form 'running late' to describe a current state of being behind schedule.
Which word is missing?
The project is running a ___ late, but we will finish by Friday.
'A bit late' is a common collocation to soften the impact of the delay.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of 'Run Late'
Texting friends or family
Running late! See ya soon.
Standard daily use
I'm running late for my appointment.
Professional announcements
The keynote speaker is running late.
When to use 'Run Late'
Commuting
Train delays
Work
Back-to-back meetings
Social
Dinner dates
Services
Doctor's appointments
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenAlmost, but 'running late' describes the process. You say I'm running late while you are on your way, but I'm late once you have already missed the start time.
Yes, it's very common. You can say The 9:00 AM train is running late if it hasn't arrived at the station yet.
Yes, it is perfectly professional. For example: I am running late to our meeting due to an urgent call.
There isn't a direct 'running' opposite. You would just say I'm running ahead of schedule or I'm early.
Yes. I ran late yesterday means your whole schedule was behind yesterday.
Yes, running behind and running late are interchangeable. Running behind is slightly more common in office settings.
No, 'run' here refers to the movement of a clock or a schedule, not physical exercise.
It can be anything from 5 minutes to an hour. If it's more than an hour, you should probably provide a more detailed excuse.
Usually, yes. It's common to pair it with 'Sorry': Sorry, I'm running a bit late.
Usually, we use it for arrival times. For a project deadline, it's better to say The project is behind schedule.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Behind schedule
Not finishing tasks as quickly as planned.
Held up
Delayed by something outside your control (like traffic).
Better late than never
It is better to arrive late than not to come at all.
In a bind
In a difficult situation that might cause a delay.
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