及时
Traditional: 及時
jí shí HSK 4

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

他及时赶到了车站。
Tā jíshí gǎndào le chēzhàn.
He arrived at the station in time.
请及时完成作业。
Qǐng jíshí wánchéng zuòyè.
Please finish your homework promptly.
医生及时救了他。
Yīshēng jíshí jiù le tā.
The doctor saved him in time.
他及时到了。
Tā jíshí dào le.
He arrived in time.
请及时回复。
Qǐng jíshí huífù.
Please reply promptly.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 及时 as 'just in time' – break it down: 及 (jí) sounds like 'gee' as in 'gee, I made it!', and 时 (shí) means 'time.' Imagine arriving just in time for an event and saying, 'Gee, I'm on time!'

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in formality and used in both spoken and written Chinese. It commonly appears in contexts like deadlines, emergencies, or situations where timing is critical, such as work, travel, or health matters.

📖 Grammar Points

及时 often functions as an adverb modifying verbs (e.g., 及时到达). It can also be used as an adjective in structures like 很及时 (very timely). In sentences, it typically precedes the main verb to describe the action's timing.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, being 及时 is highly valued in social and professional settings, reflecting responsibility and consideration for others. The term 及时雨 (timely rain) is a cultural metaphor for help arriving just when needed.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 准时 (zhǔnshí, 'on time'), which focuses on a specific scheduled time, 及时 stresses doing something at the opportune moment to meet a need or prevent a problem. 按时 (ànshí) is closer to 'on schedule' for regular routines.

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