myöhästymistään

Myöhästymistään is a Finnish word that translates to "being late" or "lateness." It refers to the act of arriving after a scheduled or expected time. This can apply to various situations, such as missing a train, arriving late for a meeting, or being tardy for a social engagement. The concept of myöhästymistään is universally understood, though cultural norms can influence the degree to which lateness is accepted or considered problematic.

In Finland, punctuality is generally valued, and being significantly late can be seen as disrespectful of others' time. However, minor delays are often understood, especially if there are unavoidable circumstances like traffic or public transport issues. The severity of the consequence for myöhästymistään often depends on the context. Being late for a formal appointment might have more serious repercussions than being a few minutes late for a casual gathering.

The word itself is a noun derived from the verb "myöhästyä," which means "to be late" or "to miss out." The "-ään" ending indicates a possessive form, suggesting "one's being late" or "the state of being late." Understanding myöhästymistään involves recognizing the social implications and practical consequences associated with arriving after the designated time.