1.
too late; belated; past the time when something could be done
A state where it is no longer possible to take effective action because the appropriate time has passed.
病気が見つかったときには、もう手遅れだった。
By the time the disease was discovered, it was already too late.
手遅れになる前に行動しよう。
Let's act before it's too late.
今からでも遅くない、まだ手遅れじゃない。
It's not too late even now; we can still do something.
FORMATION:
手 (hand/measure) + 遅れ (delay)
Literally 'the measures are late.'
GRAMMAR:
- 手遅れだ - it's too late (predicate)
- 手遅れになる - to become too late
- 手遅れの + noun - belated (rare modifier usage)
COLLOCATIONS:
- 手遅れになる前に - before it's too late
- もう手遅れだ - it's already too late
- まだ手遅れではない - it's not too late yet
- 手遅れ気味 - somewhat too late
USAGE:
Often used in serious contexts like medical situations, business decisions, or environmental issues.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 遅すぎる - too late (more casual)
- 後の祭り - too late (idiom)
Related Words
Related:
遅れる (to be late)