Meanings of 迫不及待
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 迫不及待
Podcast: 迫不及待
Podcast: 迫不及待
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 迫不及待
急不可耐 (jíbùkěnài): use 迫不及待 when emphasizing a sense of urgency or impatience that is almost overwhelming, while 急不可耐 conveys a similar meaning but may imply a slightly more intense or unbearable state of impatience.
This idiom is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, often in informal contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with other expressions of impatience; remember it specifically denotes an inability to wait. Also, ensure the tones are pronounced correctly to avoid misunderstandings.
As an HSK Level 6 idiom, 迫不及待 connects well with other advanced expressions related to emotions and urgency. Students should practice using it in full sentences to convey feelings of excitement or anticipation in various contexts.
Learners often misuse 迫不及待 by combining it with inappropriate contexts, such as using it for mild impatience instead of strong eagerness. For example, saying '我迫不及待地想吃饭' (I can't wait to eat) is correct, while using it to describe a minor delay would be inappropriate.
Pronunciation of 迫不及待
Drill the tone of 迫不及待 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Idiom Spotlight: 迫不及待
Component Characters
How to say impatient (idiom); in a hurry in Chinese
“impatient (idiom); in a hurry” in Chinese is迫不及待
迫不及待 is an idiom that expresses a strong sense of impatience or urgency to do something. It conveys the feeling of being so eager that one cannot wait any longer, often used in contexts where anticipation is high, such as waiting for an event or news.
When to use 迫不及待
This idiom is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, often in informal contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with other expressions of impatience; remember it specifically denotes an inability to wait. Also, ensure the tones are pronounced correctly to avoid misunderstandings.
迫不及待 or something close to it
急不可耐 (jíbùkěnài): use 迫不及待 when emphasizing a sense of urgency or impatience that is almost overwhelming, while 急不可耐 conveys a similar meaning but may imply a slightly more intense or unbearable state of impatience.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 迫不及待 by combining it with inappropriate contexts, such as using it for mild impatience instead of strong eagerness. For example, saying '我迫不及待地想吃饭' (I can't wait to eat) is correct, while using it to describe a minor delay would be inappropriate.
Write 迫不及待
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 迫不及待 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 迫不及待
迫不及待 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. 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.
Complete the Sentence
睡了一夜好觉后，保罗说他已经____了。
After a good night's sleep, Paul said he was raring to go.
Example Sentences for 迫不及待 (3)
Frequently Asked Questions about 迫不及待
It's generally more suitable for informal situations, so consider using it in conversations rather than formal writing.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 迫不及待?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.