延期
To postpone
Literalmente: Extend (延) period/date (期)
Use `延期` when a planned date needs to move forward in time while staying polite.
En 15 segundos
- Used to move a deadline or event to a later date.
- Works as both a verb and a noun in sentences.
- Implies the event will still happen, just not now.
Significado
This phrase is used when you need to push a date or time back. It literally means to extend a period of time beyond the original plan.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Texting a friend about a movie
电影延期了，我们下周再去吧。
The movie was postponed; let's go next week instead.
In a professional meeting
由于技术问题，项目需要延期一个月。
Due to technical issues, the project needs to be postponed for a month.
At the airport
我的航班延期了，真倒霉！
My flight is delayed, what bad luck!
Contexto cultural
The term has deep roots in administrative and agricultural language, where 'periods' (期) were vital for harvests and taxes. Today, it is the standard term used in China's fast-paced tech and business sectors to manage expectations without causing offense.
Pair it with '到'
If you have a specific new date, use `延期到` (postponed to). For example: `延期到下周一`.
Don't confuse with '过期'
`过期` (guòqī) means expired, like old milk. `延期` is moving a date forward. Don't mix them up!
En 15 segundos
- Used to move a deadline or event to a later date.
- Works as both a verb and a noun in sentences.
- Implies the event will still happen, just not now.
What It Means
延期 is your go-to word for saying 'not now, but later.' It describes moving a deadline or an event to a future date. It is simple, clear, and very common in daily life.
How To Use It
You can use it as a verb or a noun. If a meeting is pushed back, you say it has 延期ed. You often see it paired with 了 to show the change happened. It sounds natural in both professional emails and casual texts.
When To Use It
Use it when the flight is delayed due to rain. Use it when you haven't finished your homework. It is perfect for weddings, concerts, or doctor appointments. If the clock is ticking and you need more time, this is your word.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for short pauses, like a 5-minute coffee break. That is just a 'break.' Don't use it if something is canceled forever. 延期 implies it will definitely happen later. If you are just running 5 minutes late to dinner, use 晚点 instead.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, punctuality is respected, but flexibility is a survival skill. 延期 is often used politely to save face. Instead of saying 'I can't do it,' saying 'Can we 延期?' sounds much softer. It keeps the relationship harmonious while giving you breathing room.
Common Variations
You might hear 推迟 which is very similar. 延期 feels a bit more like an official change of a 'period.' 延后 is another common way to say 'later on.' Stick with 延期 for dates and deadlines to stay safe.
Notas de uso
Very versatile. It sits right in the middle of the formality scale, making it safe for almost any situation involving a schedule change.
Pair it with '到'
If you have a specific new date, use `延期到` (postponed to). For example: `延期到下周一`.
Don't confuse with '过期'
`过期` (guòqī) means expired, like old milk. `延期` is moving a date forward. Don't mix them up!
The 'Face' Saver
In China, if someone says a project might `延期`, they might be politely telling you it's in trouble. Read between the lines!
Ejemplos
6电影延期了，我们下周再去吧。
The movie was postponed; let's go next week instead.
Very common for social plans that change.
由于技术问题，项目需要延期一个月。
Due to technical issues, the project needs to be postponed for a month.
Standard professional usage for deadlines.
我的航班延期了，真倒霉！
My flight is delayed, what bad luck!
Expressing frustration over travel changes.
老师，作业可以延期交吗？
Teacher, can the homework deadline be extended?
A classic student request.
我的减肥计划又延期了。
My weight loss plan has been postponed again.
Using formal words for funny personal failures.
比赛因雨延期。
The match is postponed due to rain.
Short, formal announcement style.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about a meeting change.
因为经理生病了，会议___到明天了。
`延期` means to postpone, which fits a meeting being moved to tomorrow.
Select the best word for a deadline extension.
申请的最后期限可以___吗？
When asking if a deadline (期限) can be moved, `延期` is the natural choice.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of Postponing
Used with friends for hanging out.
改天吧 (Gǎitiān ba)
Standard for work and general life.
延期 (Yánqī)
Official announcements or legal docs.
顺延 (Shùnyán)
Where to use 延期
School
Homework deadlines
Office
Project launches
Travel
Flight delays
Events
Concerts or Weddings
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasMostly, yes. It refers to the 'period' or 'term' of something. You use it for deadlines, events, and schedules.
No, if a person is late for dinner, use 迟到. 延期 is for the event itself moving to a later time.
They are very similar. 延期 sounds a bit more official or related to a fixed duration, while 推迟 is more common for simply pushing an action back.
Yes, it is perfectly professional. You can say 项目需要延期 (The project needs to be postponed).
You can say 无限期延期. This is usually bad news!
Yes! 签证延期 is the standard term for extending your visa stay.
Not at all. It is a neutral, factual word. However, always provide a reason to remain polite.
Yes, if a sale is extended for two more days, you can say 活动延期两天.
The opposite is 提前 (tíqián), which means to move something to an earlier time.
It's both! You can say 延期的通知 (postponement notice) or 会议延期了 (The meeting is postponed).
Frases relacionadas
推迟 (To put off)
耽误 (To delay/waste time)
改期 (To change the date)
顺延 (To postpone automatically/in order)
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