Arriving late
Neutral Can sound rude
What it really means
Lateness without warning is disrespectful in Britain — it reads as "my time matters more than yours". The fix is communication: text as soon as you know you'll be late, give a realistic new time, and apologise briefly when you arrive. Repeated lateness damages friendships and work reputations quietly but surely.
Chinese explanation
在英国，不打招呼的迟到是不尊重人的表现——它传递的信息是"我的时间比你的重要"。补救办法是沟通：一发现要迟到就发消息，给一个现实的新时间，到达后简短道歉。反复迟到会悄悄但切实地损害友谊和职场声誉。
Example conversation
A: So sorry I'm late — the bus just didn't come.
B: No worries, you texted, that's the main thing. We've only just sat down.
A：真抱歉我迟到了——公交一直不来。
B：没关系，你提前发消息了，这最重要。我们也刚坐下。
What you could say back
Related phrases
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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake