A2 Collocation ニュートラル 2分で読める

延期

To postpone

直訳: Extend (延) period/date (期)

Use `延期` when a planned date needs to move forward in time while staying polite.

15秒でわかる

  • 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.

意味

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.

主な例文

3 / 6
1

Texting 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.

😊
2

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.

💼
3

At the airport

我的航班延期了,真倒霉!

My flight is delayed, what bad luck!

💭
🌍

文化的背景

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!

15秒でわかる

  • 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 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.

使い方のコツ

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!

例文

6
#1 Texting 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.

Very common for social plans that change.

#2 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.

Standard professional usage for deadlines.

#3 At the airport
💭

我的航班延期了,真倒霉!

My flight is delayed, what bad luck!

Expressing frustration over travel changes.

#4 Asking a teacher for more time
🤝

老师,作业可以延期交吗?

Teacher, can the homework deadline be extended?

A classic student request.

#5 A humorous excuse for being lazy
😄

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.

#6 Official announcement
👔

比赛因雨延期。

The match is postponed due to rain.

Short, formal announcement style.

自分をテスト

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。

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: 延期

`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?

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: 延期

When asking if a deadline (期限) can be moved, `延期` is the natural choice.

🎉 スコア: /2

ビジュアル学習ツール

Formality of Postponing

Casual

Used with friends for hanging out.

改天吧 (Gǎitiān ba)

Neutral

Standard for work and general life.

延期 (Yánqī)

Formal

Official announcements or legal docs.

顺延 (Shùnyán)

Where to use 延期

延期
📚

School

Homework deadlines

💻

Office

Project launches

✈️

Travel

Flight delays

🎉

Events

Concerts or Weddings

よくある質問

10 問

Mostly, 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).

関連フレーズ

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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