及早
jí zǎo HSK 6

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

你应该及早完成作业。
Nǐ yīnggāi jízǎo wánchéng zuòyè.
You should finish your homework as soon as possible.
及早治疗可以预防疾病。
Jízǎo zhìliáo kěyǐ yùfáng jíbìng.
Early treatment can prevent diseases.
公司决定及早解决问题。
Gōngsī juédìng jízǎo jiějué wèntí.
The company decided to solve the problem at an early date.
你应该及早出发。
Nǐ yīnggāi jízǎo chūfā.
You should leave early.
及早准备很重要。
Jízǎo zhǔnbèi hěn zhòngyào.
Early preparation is important.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 及 (jí) means 'to reach' or 'in time,' and 早 (zǎo) means 'early.' Think: 'Reach early' → act early to avoid missing out or causing harm. Associate it with phrases like 'better safe than sorry.'

📝 Usage Notes

This word is used in both formal and informal contexts, common in written and spoken Chinese. It often appears in advice, warnings, or instructions, such as in medical, educational, or preventive contexts, to stress the importance of early action.

📖 Grammar Points

及早 is typically placed before a verb to modify it, e.g., 及早 + Verb (及早治疗). It can be used in imperative or suggestive sentences to urge action, often paired with words like 要, 应该, or 必须 to express necessity.

🏯 Cultural Notes

Reflects a cultural value in Chinese society on foresight and prevention, such as in health (preventive medicine) or planning, where taking early steps is seen as wise and responsible to avoid future troubles.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar to 尽快 (jǐnkuài, 'as quickly as possible'), but 及早 focuses more on the timing being early to avoid problems, while 尽快 emphasizes speed without the same connotation of prevention. Also differs from 提前 (tíqián, 'in advance'), which is more neutral about timing.

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