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刻不容缓 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
刻不容缓kèbùrónghuǎnto brook no delayHSK 7, i, 34 strokes, rank #35450, Very Hard
刻不容缓kèbùrónghuǎnto demand immediate actionHSK 7, i, 34 strokes, rank #35450, Very Hard
kèbùrónghuǎn(ke4bu4rong2huan3)ke bu rong huan T4
  1. 1to brook no delay
  2. 2to demand immediate action
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March 24, 2026

刻不容缓(刻不容緩)kèbùrónghuǎn(ke4bu4rong2huan3)

刻不容缓 is an idiomatic expression that means something is urgent and requires immediate action. It emphasizes the importance of not delaying a response or decision, often used in contexts like emergencies or critical situations where time is of the essence.

Strokes34Frequency#35450DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

The phrase reflects the value placed on timeliness and efficiency in Chinese culture, particularly in business and governmental contexts. It is often used in discussions about important policies or crisis management, highlighting the collective responsibility to act swiftly.

Memory tip

Imagine a clock (刻) ticking down to zero, representing urgency. The phrase suggests that there is no time to waste (不容缓), like a race against time. Picture a person racing to finish a task before the clock runs out, reinforcing the concept of immediate action.

Meanings of 刻不容缓

kèbùrónghuǎn(ke4bu4rong2huan3)
1to brook no delay
2to demand immediate action
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About 刻不容缓

刻不容缓Simplified
刻不容緩Traditional
34Strokes
—Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#35450Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3BCT✓CEFRC1

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Podcast: 刻不容缓

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AI study notes for 刻不容缓

Usage Notes

This idiom is used in formal contexts, such as in news reports or official communications. Avoid using it in casual conversations as it may sound overly dramatic. Be careful with the tone; ensure that the urgency is conveyed without sounding overly alarmist.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 idiom, 刻不容缓 connects with other advanced phrases expressing urgency or necessity. Focus on how it can be used to convey the importance of prompt decisions in both spoken and written Chinese, and practice incorporating it in formal discussions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 刻不容缓 with 刻不容缓, mistakenly using it in contexts that don't require urgency. For example, saying '我们下周开会,刻不容缓' (We have a meeting next week, it is urgent) is incorrect; it should reflect immediate situations.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 刻不容缓

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Idiom spotlight: 刻不容缓

Chengyu origin story
Literal meaning:carve not allow delay

Component characters

刻kèquarter (hour)
HSK 38 strokes刂
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不bù(negative prefix)
HSK 14 strokes一
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容róngto hold
10 strokes宀
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缓huǎnslow
HSK 712 strokes纟
View full entry

How to say to brook no delay in Chinese

“to brook no delay” in Chinese is刻不容缓kèbùrónghuǎn

刻不容缓 is an idiomatic expression that means something is urgent and requires immediate action. It emphasizes the importance of not delaying a response or decision, often used in contexts like emergencies or critical situations where time is of the essence.

When to use 刻不容缓

This idiom is used in formal contexts, such as in news reports or official communications. Avoid using it in casual conversations as it may sound overly dramatic. Be careful with the tone; ensure that the urgency is conveyed without sounding overly alarmist.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 刻不容缓 with 刻不容缓, mistakenly using it in contexts that don't require urgency. For example, saying '我们下周开会,刻不容缓' (We have a meeting next week, it is urgent) is incorrect; it should reflect immediate situations.

Write 刻不容缓

刻
不
容
缓

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Frequently asked questions about 刻不容缓

It's best to reserve 刻不容缓 for formal situations, as it may come off as too serious in casual settings.

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