Korean Dictionary
How to say "I'll be late" in Korean
“I'll be late” in Korean is 늦을 것 같아요 (pronounced "Neujeul geot gatayo").
늦을 것 같아요
Neujeul geot gatayo
Usage & Context
Informing someone in advance that you will not arrive on time. Punctuality is valued in Korean culture, so informing someone of tardiness is important etiquette. Usually sent via message before the expected arrival time. Shows respect for others' time.
Example Sentence
죄송해요, 오늘 조금 늦을 것 같아요.
I'm sorry, I think I'll be a bit late today.
How to use 늦을 것 같아요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “I'll be late” is 늦을 것 같아요, romanized as Neujeul geot gatayo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 늦을 것 같아요.
Pronunciation Guide
늦을 (Neujeul) sounds like 'new-jeul', with 'eu' like the 'u' in 'but'. 것 (geot) sounds like 'gut' but with a soft 't' at the end, almost like 'd'. 같아요 (gatayo) sounds like 'gah-tah-yoh'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
늦을 것 같습니다
Neujeul geot gatseumnida
A more formal way to say 'I'll be late', suitable for very polite or business contexts.
Casual (반말)
늦을 것 같아
Neujeul geot gata
A casual form used with close friends or family.
More Example Sentences
Texting a friend about being late for a casual meeting.
미안, 오늘 약속에 조금 늦을 것 같아.
Sorry, I think I'll be a bit late for our appointment today.
Informing a superior or colleague about being late for work.
죄송합니다, 출근이 조금 늦을 것 같습니다.
I apologize, I think I'll be a little late for work.
Calling family to inform them about being late for a meal.
차가 너무 막혀서 저녁 식사에 늦을 것 같아요.
The traffic is too bad, so I think I'll be late for dinner.
Cultural Context
Punctuality is highly valued in Korean culture, so informing someone in advance if you anticipate being late is considered very polite and respectful of their time. It's common to send a message like this, often with an apology, as soon as you realize you might not make it on time. This shows consideration and good etiquette.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 늦을 것 같아요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
죄송해요, 오늘 조금 늦을 것 같아요.
I'm sorry, I think I'll be a bit late today.
차가 너무 막혀서 늦을 것 같아요.
The traffic is too bad, so I think I'll be late.
회의에 늦을 것 같아요.
I think I'll be late for the meeting.
Related Expressions
지각할 것 같아요
Jigakhal geot gatayo
I think I'll be tardy
조금 늦을 것 같아요
Jogeum neujeul geot gatayo
I think I'll be a little late
정시에 도착할게요
Jeongsie dochakhalgeyo
I'll arrive on time (opposite concept)
일찍 갈게요
Iljjik galgeyo
I'll go early (opposite concept)
More Greetings Words
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