I'll be 10 minutes late
Specific delay
Use this phrase to provide a specific, polite update when you are running slightly behind schedule.
15秒了解
- A polite way to announce a specific short delay.
- Shows respect for the other person's schedule and time.
- Commonly used in both professional and social text messages.
意思
This is a polite way to tell someone that you will arrive a short time after the agreed-upon time. It gives them a specific number of minutes so they know how long to wait for you.
关键例句
3 / 6Meeting a friend for lunch
I'm so sorry, I'll be 10 minutes late because I couldn't find my keys.
I will arrive 10 minutes after our planned time.
Texting a coworker before a meeting
The bus is delayed, so I'll be 10 minutes late to the presentation.
I will be 10 minutes late for the meeting.
A formal dinner reservation
Hello, we have a table for 7:00, but I'll be 10 minutes late.
Our party will arrive at 7:10.
文化背景
In Western business culture, 'time is money,' so providing a specific number like '10 minutes' is preferred over vague terms like 'soon.' It suggests you have calculated your arrival time. Interestingly, '5-10 minutes' is often the socially acceptable limit for being late to casual social gatherings.
The 'About' Rule
If you aren't 100% sure, say `about 10 minutes`. It gives you a little extra breathing room if you hit another red light!
Don't Underestimate
In English-speaking cultures, saying `10 minutes` when you know it's `30` is considered very annoying. Honesty is better than a short lie.
15秒了解
- A polite way to announce a specific short delay.
- Shows respect for the other person's schedule and time.
- Commonly used in both professional and social text messages.
What It Means
This phrase is your best friend when life gets messy. It means you are running behind schedule. You are giving a specific estimate of your delay. Using 10 minutes makes you sound organized. It shows you respect the other person's time. Even if you are late, you are being helpful. It is much better than staying silent!
How To Use It
Simply state the time you expect to be late. You can change the number to 5, 15, or 20. Use it as a standalone sentence or after an apology.
Sorry, I'll be 10 minutes late.Traffic is bad. I'll be 10 minutes late.
You can also use it in the past tense if you are already there. But usually, it is for a heads-up. It works perfectly in person, over the phone, or via text.
When To Use It
Use this phrase whenever you are not on time. It is great for meeting a friend for coffee. It works for a doctor's appointment too. In the office, it is a professional way to alert your team. Use it when you are stuck in traffic. Use it when your train is delayed. It is the universal 'oops' phrase for the modern world.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are going to be an hour late. That is a different conversation! If you say 10 minutes but take 30, people will get annoyed. Avoid using it for very formal events like a wedding. In those cases, just arrive quietly. Also, don't use it if you haven't even left your house yet. That is just lying to your friends!
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, punctuality is highly valued. Being late without a message is seen as rude. However, the 10-minute window is often considered a 'grace period.' By sending this message, you are acknowledging the social contract. In places like the UK or US, a quick text is expected. It shows you are 'time-conscious' even when things go wrong. It is a small piece of social glue.
Common Variations
People use many versions of this. You might hear I'm running 10 minutes behind. This sounds a bit more professional. Friends might say I'm 10 mins away. This focuses on the distance rather than the delay. If you aren't sure of the exact time, say I'll be about 10 minutes late. The word about protects you if you take 12 minutes instead. Just don't say I'm almost there if you are still in bed!
使用说明
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. In very formal contexts, use 'will be' instead of the contraction 'I'll be'.
The 'About' Rule
If you aren't 100% sure, say `about 10 minutes`. It gives you a little extra breathing room if you hit another red light!
Don't Underestimate
In English-speaking cultures, saying `10 minutes` when you know it's `30` is considered very annoying. Honesty is better than a short lie.
The Texting Shortcut
In casual texts, people often just write `10 mins late` or even `be there in 10`. You don't always need the full sentence!
例句
6I'm so sorry, I'll be 10 minutes late because I couldn't find my keys.
I will arrive 10 minutes after our planned time.
Adding a reason makes the apology feel more sincere.
The bus is delayed, so I'll be 10 minutes late to the presentation.
I will be 10 minutes late for the meeting.
Professional and direct communication.
Hello, we have a table for 7:00, but I'll be 10 minutes late.
Our party will arrive at 7:10.
Helps the restaurant manage their seating chart.
Traffic is a nightmare! I'll be 10 minutes late, don't start the movie without me!
I'm stuck in traffic and will arrive 10 minutes late.
Casual and slightly urgent.
I'll be 10 minutes late... and by 10, I mean 20!
I'm going to be late, probably more than I'm admitting.
Self-aware humor about one's own lateness.
I'm really sorry, I'll be 10 minutes late, I hope you don't mind waiting.
I am running late for our date.
Softens the impact of being late on a first impression.
自我测试
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase for a professional setting.
I'm running a bit behind, so I'll ___ 10 minutes late.
We use the verb `to be` with `late` to describe our status.
If you are unsure of the exact time, which word should you add?
I'll be ___ 10 minutes late.
`About` suggests an estimate, which is safer if you might be 12 or 13 minutes late.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'I'll be 10 minutes late'
Texting a friend: '10 mins late!'
10 mins late!
Standard use for most situations.
I'll be 10 minutes late.
Professional email or call.
Please accept my apologies, I will be 10 minutes late.
When to use this phrase
Stuck in Traffic
Texting from the car
Work Meeting
Messaging a colleague
Coffee Date
Updating a friend
Public Transport
Train is delayed
常见问题
10 个问题Not at all! It is actually more polite than saying nothing. It shows you care about the other person's time.
It is better than showing up late without notice, but for an interview, you should call and apologize profusely. Use I apologize, I am running 10 minutes behind.
10 minutes late means 10 minutes after the agreed time. In 10 minutes means 10 minutes from right now.
Yes, in casual speech, people often drop the word late. I'll be 10 minutes usually implies you'll be that much longer than expected.
Yes, it is very common to start with Sorry or I'm sorry. For example: Sorry, I'll be 10 minutes late.
Absolutely. You can say 5 minutes, 20 minutes, or even a few minutes if you aren't sure.
It is perfect for texting! It is one of the most common reasons people send a text message.
Then the phrase is perfect! You can add exactly if you want to be very precise: I'll be exactly 10 minutes late.
I'm running late is more general. I'll be 10 minutes late is better because it gives a specific time.
Use a slightly more formal version: Please be advised that I will be approximately 10 minutes late for our scheduled meeting.
相关表达
I'm running late
A general way to say you won't arrive on time.
I'm behind schedule
A more professional way to say you are late.
Held up
Delayed by something outside your control (like traffic).
Better late than never
A common idiom used when someone finally arrives.
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