Better late than never Meaning in English
expression
ˈbɛtɝ/ /ˈɫeɪt/ /ˈðæn/, /ðən/ /ˈnɛvɝ
BET-er LATE than NEV-er
bˈɛtɐ/ /lˈeɪt/ /ðˈɐn/ /nˈɛvɐ
BET-uh LATE than NEV-uh
Definition
This expression means it is better to do something late than to not do it at all.
Usage & Nuances
Widely used in conversation to encourage someone who arrives or completes a task late, suggesting it’s good to finish even if delayed. Neutral, informal, and often used to comfort or support.
Spanish: mejor tarde que nuncaPortuguese (BR): antes tarde do que nuncaPortuguese (PT): mais vale tarde que nuncaChinese (Simplified): 迟到总比不到好Chinese (Traditional): 遲到總比不到好Hindi: देर आये दुरुस्त आयेArabic: أن تأتي متأخرًا خير من ألا تأتي أبداًBengali: দুর্বিপাকে দেরিতে হলেও ভাল - দেরিতে হলেও সঠিকRussian: лучше поздно, чем никогдаJapanese: 遅れてもやらないよりましVietnamese: muộn còn hơn khôngKorean: 늦더라도 안 하는 것보다 낫다Turkish: geç olsun, güç olmasınUrdu: دیر آئے درست آئےIndonesian: lebih baik terlambat daripada tidak sama sekali
Example Sentences
Better late than never! You finally finished your project.
basic
He showed up, and I said, 'Better late than never.'
basic
You remembered my birthday! Better late than never.
basic
Sorry for sending the email so late, but better late than never!
natural
He handed in the form late, but as they say, better late than never.
natural
Don't worry if you’re running late—better late than never!
natural