来不及
Traditional: 來不及
lái bu jí HSK 4

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

我快来不及了。
Wǒ kuài láibují le.
I'm almost out of time.
来不及吃早饭了。
Láibují chī zǎofàn le.
There's no time to eat breakfast.
现在去来不及了。
Xiànzài qù láibují le.
It's too late to go now.
我来不及吃早饭。
Wǒ láibují chī zǎofàn.
I don't have time to eat breakfast.
他来不及做作业。
Tā láibují zuò zuòyè.
He doesn't have time to do homework.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: '来 (come)' + '不 (not)' + '及 (reach, in time)'. Think of it as 'coming but not reaching in time'. Imagine yourself running for a bus, but it drives away just as you arrive—you 'came' but were 'not in time' (来不及).

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in register and is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese. It is frequently used in everyday contexts to explain why something cannot be done, such as missing transportation, failing to meet deadlines, or being unable to perform a task before a cutoff time.

📖 Grammar Points

It is typically followed by a verb or a verb phrase to indicate the action that cannot be completed in time (e.g., 来不及 + Verb). It can also be used alone as a predicate (e.g., 现在太迟了,来不及了). It is often preceded by time-related phrases or reasons.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, punctuality and managing time effectively are highly valued. Using '来不及' can sometimes imply poor planning or an unavoidable delay, so it is often accompanied by an explanation or apology to soften the statement, reflecting a concern for social harmony.

🔄 Similar Words

It is often contrasted with '来得及 (láidejí)', which means 'to have enough time to'. Unlike '没时间 (méi shíjiān)', which simply states 'to have no time', '来不及' specifically emphasizes that the remaining time is insufficient for a particular action to be completed successfully.

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