延误 yánwù to postpone (with unfortunate consequences)
to postpone (with unfortunate consequences); to take too long (to do something); to miss (a deadline or window of opportunity)
How to remember 延误: 延 to defer + 误 mistake = to postpone (with unfortunate consequences).
Characters
How it is used
- To delay with unfortunate results - miss a deadline or window - 航班延误 (hángbān yánwù) the flight is delayed; 延误病情 (yánwù bìngqíng) to let an illness worsen through delay.
- Always negative: the delay causes harm or a missed chance.
- Contrast neutral 推迟 (deliberately reschedule) and 延期 (extend a deadline); 延误 blames the delay for damage.
Example sentences
- 部分航班延误了。 Bùfen hángbān yánwù le.Some flights are delayed.