Definition
晚 (wǎn) is the basic adjective for 'late' in time — used when someone or something is later than expected. 迟 (chí) is more formal and often appears in compound words like 迟到 (be late) or 推迟 (postpone); it also can mean 'slow'. For everyday speech, use 晚.
adjective
late
Easily confused
- 挽wǎnlook-aliketo roll up (sleeves, trousers)
- 玩wánsound-aliketo play; to have fun
- 完wánsound-aliketo finish
- 万wànsound-aliketen thousand
- 碗wǎnsound-alikebowl
- 弯wānsound-aliketo bend; bent
- 丸wánsound-alike(noun) small round object; ball; pellet; pill
Examples
- 晚。Xiànzài tài wǎn le.It's too late now.
- 晚。Tā jīntiān lái wǎn le.He came late today.
- 晚。Nǐ míngtiān bú yào lái wǎn le.Don't come late tomorrow.
Browse more HSK 1 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.