Definition
姗姗来迟 is a four-character idiom (chengyu) that literally describes someone walking slowly and arriving late. It is used to describe someone who arrives late, often in a leisurely or unhurried manner, implying a degree of delay that might be noticeable or expected. Unlike the simple verb 'be late', this idiom carries a literary or slightly formal tone and is often used in contexts where the lateness is somewhat deliberate or graceful.
f.e.
to be late (in a leisurely or unhurried manner, often used in literary or formal contexts)
Examples
- 姗姗来迟，。Zhè wèi kèrén shān shān lái chí, dàjiā dōu děng le hěn jiǔ.This guest arrived late and everyone waited a long time.
- 姗姗来迟，。Chūntiān suīrán shān shān lái chí, dàn zhōngjiū háishì lái le.Spring came late, but it finally arrived after all.
- 姗姗来迟，。Tā měi cì yuēhuì dōu shān shān lái chí, ràng rén hěn bù gāoxìng.He's always late for dates, which makes people very unhappy.
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