Meanings of 来不及
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AI Study Notes for 来不及
来不及 (lái bu jí) vs 来得及 (lái dé jí) — use 来不及 when conveying that something is too late, while 来得及 indicates that there is still time to accomplish something.
Learners often confuse 来不及 with 来得及 (lái de jí), which means 'there is still time.' Remember, 来不及 indicates a lack of time. This phrase is more informal and typically used in conversational contexts rather than formal writing.
As an HSK Level 4 word, 来不及 is essential for discussing time-related issues. Students should focus on its usage in sentences and practice distinguishing it from similar phrases like 来得及 (lái de jí). Additionally, practice using it in various contexts to build fluency.
Learners often mix up 来不及 and 来得及, leading to sentences like '我来得及迟到' (Wǒ lái de jí chídào), which incorrectly implies that they can be late on time. The correct usage would be '我来不及迟到' (Wǒ lái bù jí chídào), indicating they cannot afford to be late.
Pronunciation of 来不及
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Component Characters
How to say there's not enough time (to do sth) in Chinese
“there's not enough time (to do sth)” in Chinese is来不及
来不及 (lái bu jí) means that there is not enough time to accomplish something or that it is too late to take action. It is commonly used in contexts where urgency is involved, such as missing a deadline or being unable to catch a transport. The phrase conveys a sense of regret or urgency regarding time constraints.
When to use 来不及
Learners often confuse 来不及 with 来得及 (lái de jí), which means 'there is still time.' Remember, 来不及 indicates a lack of time. This phrase is more informal and typically used in conversational contexts rather than formal writing.
来不及 or something close to it
来不及 (lái bu jí) vs 来得及 (lái dé jí) — use 来不及 when conveying that something is too late, while 来得及 indicates that there is still time to accomplish something.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 来不及 and 来得及, leading to sentences like '我来得及迟到' (Wǒ lái de jí chídào), which incorrectly implies that they can be late on time. The correct usage would be '我来不及迟到' (Wǒ lái bù jí chídào), indicating they cannot afford to be late.
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Practice writing 来不及 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 来不及
来不及 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
____了，我们快走吧。
There is no time — let us go quickly.
Example Sentences for 来不及 (4)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 来不及
You can say, '我来不及赶上火车' (Wǒ lái bù jí gǎn shàng huǒchē), meaning 'I don't have enough time to catch the train.'
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