Translation guide
Expresses the idea of not keeping up with a schedule, group, or expected progress. Japanese uses different verbs depending on whether you are physically lagging, behind on work/studies, or trailing in a competition.
When someone or something is physically slower than others and gets left behind.
General verb for being late or falling behind schedule or others. Can be used for people, vehicles, or events.
彼はみんなから遅れてしまった。
He fell behind everyone else.
バスが遅れている。
The bus is running late (falling behind schedule).
Passive form meaning 'to be left behind' by a group. Emphasizes the feeling of being abandoned or unable to keep up.
一人だけ取り残された。
I was the only one left behind.
When you are not keeping up with tasks, deadlines, or expected progress.
Same verb as above, but used for non-physical delays. Very common.
仕事が遅れている。
I'm falling behind on work.
予定より一週間遅れている。
We're a week behind schedule.
Literally 'not catching up'. Used when you are behind and struggling to reach the expected level.
授業に追いついていない。
I'm falling behind in class.
Means work or payments are piling up and not progressing. Slightly formal/written.
When someone is losing ground in a race, game, or comparison.
Common phrase meaning 'to fall behind' in a competitive context.
他社に遅れをとっている。
We are falling behind our competitors.
Kanji variant of 遅れをとる, same meaning.
Means 'to be inferior' or 'to fall short'. Used in comparisons.
When you are late with payments, rent, or other dues.
Direct phrase for 'payment is late/falling behind'.
家賃の支払いが遅れている。
I'm falling behind on rent.
Formal term for being in arrears or defaulting on payments.
税金を滞納している。
I'm behind on my taxes.
遅れる is a general verb for being late or behind. 取り残される specifically means being left behind by a group, often with a nuance of isolation.
電車に遅れた。
I missed the train (was late for it).
電車に取り残された。
I was left behind by the train (it left without me).
落ちる (おちる) means 'to fall' physically or 'to fail an exam'. It does not mean 'falling behind' in progress. Use 遅れる or 追いついていない instead.
事務処理が滞っている。
Paperwork is falling behind (piling up).
We are falling behind in technology.
We fall behind other companies in quality.