Quick answer
遅 is the kanji for "Slow". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is おく.れる (okureru). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Slow
Also : Late · Back · Later
Learn 遅 with SRS
Free to start — no credit card. Track every review with spaced repetition.
Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
12 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 遅 represents 'SLOW'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of slow.
On-reading: ち — remember this sound by associating it with slow. Kun-reading: おく.れる.
Example Sentences
電車が遅延しています。
でんしゃがちえんしています。
The train is delayed.
遅刻しないよう早めに出発します。
ちこくしないようはやめにしゅっぱつします。
I'll depart early to avoid being late.
Vocabulary using 遅
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jul 4, 2026
Learn 遅 with Spaced Repetition
InitialJ uses scientifically proven SRS to help you memorize kanji and vocabulary for the JLPT. N5 is free forever; no credit card required.