The kanji 遅 primarily means "late," "slow," "delay," or "to be delayed." It implies a situation where something is behind schedule, not happening on time, or moving at a slower pace than expected. This core meaning is central to all its various applications.

・On-yomi (音読み): チ (chi) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): おそ-い (oso-i)

⚫︎ 遅刻 (ちこく) Translation: Being late (for school, work, etc.) ⚫︎ 遅い (おそい) Translation: Slow; late ⚫︎ 遅れる (おくれる) Translation: To be late; to be delayed