Meaning and Usage
The word 滞納 (たいのう) refers to the failure to pay money owed by the due date, such as rent, taxes, or bills. It is a formal term often used in legal, financial, and administrative contexts.
Common Contexts
滞納 is frequently used when discussing overdue payments for rent (家賃滞納), taxes (税金滞納), utility bills, or loan repayments. It implies a negative situation where the payer has not fulfilled their financial obligation on time.
Collocations and Patterns
- 家賃を滞納する: to default on rent payments
- 税金を滞納する: to fail to pay taxes
- 滞納料金: overdue fees
- 滞納している: currently in default
These collocations are common in formal notices, official documents, and conversations about financial responsibility.
Register and Nuance
滞納 is a formal and somewhat serious term. It is not used casually but rather in official or business settings. Using it in everyday conversation about small debts might sound too stiff.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 滞納 with 遅刻 (being late) or 延滞 (delay). 滞納 specifically refers to non-payment or default, not just being late in general. To avoid confusion, remember 滞納 always involves money or fees that are unpaid.