耽搁

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 耽搁 (dānge) means to delay or to hold up something, often implying an unintended or avoidable postponement. It is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe situations where time is wasted or plans are slowed down.

Common Contexts

  • Delays caused by external factors (e.g., technical issues, traffic).
  • Personal procrastination or failure to act promptly.
  • Advising someone not to waste time.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 耽搁时间 (delay time): used to emphasize wasting or losing time.
  • 不要耽搁 (don’t delay): a common phrase urging promptness.
  • 因为耽搁 (because of delay): explains the reason for a setback.

Usage Notes

耽搁 often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the delay could have been avoided or is undesirable. It is more formal than some colloquial expressions for 'delay' but is still widely used in spoken and written Chinese. Avoid confusing it with 耽误 (dānwù), which also means to delay but often emphasizes the negative consequences more strongly.

Example Sentences

Don't waste time, let's leave quickly.

The meeting was delayed for half an hour due to technical problems.

He didn't do well on the exam because he delayed his preparation.