Translation guide
The English phrase "fall behind" can refer to lagging in progress, being late with payments or work, or physically dropping back in a group. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each situation.
To fail to keep up with a schedule, work, or others' progress.
General verb for being late or delayed. Can be used for schedules, deadlines, or falling behind others.
仕事が遅れている。
I'm falling behind with work.
彼はクラスの他の生徒より遅れている。
He is falling behind the other students in the class.
Literally 'to take a delay', meaning to fall behind or be at a disadvantage compared to others.
競合他社に遅れをとっている。
We are falling behind our competitors.
Kanji form of 遅れをとる, more common in written language.
後れを取らないように努力する。
I will try not to fall behind.
To fail to make payments on time, such as rent, bills, or loan installments.
Directly means 'payment is late'. Natural and common.
家賃の支払いが遅れてしまった。
I fell behind on my rent payment.
To be in arrears; specifically for failing to pay taxes, rent, etc. More formal.
税金を滞納している。
I am behind on my taxes.
To move more slowly than others and end up behind them, e.g., while walking or running.
Same verb as above, but used for physical lagging. Context makes it clear.
歩くのが遅くて、みんなから遅れてしまった。
I walk slowly and fell behind everyone.
Passive of 置いていく (to leave behind). Emphasizes being left behind by others.
急に走り出したから、置いていかれた。
They suddenly started running, so I fell behind.
The English phrase "fall behind" cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Using 落ちる (to fall) and 後ろ (behind) would not make sense. Use the verbs and phrases provided instead.