来得及
Traditional: 來得及
lái de jí HSK 4

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

我们还来得及。
Wǒmen hái láidejí.
We still have time.
来得及买票吗?
Láidejí mǎi piào ma?
Is there still time to buy tickets?
现在出发来得及。
Xiànzài chūfā láidejí.
It's still in time to leave now.
现在去还来得及。
Xiànzài qù hái láidejí.
Going now is still in time.
你来得及吃早饭。
Nǐ láidejí chī zǎofàn.
You have time to eat breakfast.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 来 (come) + 得 (can) + 及 (reach) → 'can come to reach' something in time. Think of it as 'able to arrive at' a task before it's too late. Contrast it with 来不及, where 不 negates the possibility.

📝 Usage Notes

It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, in formal and informal contexts. It is typically used in questions or statements about future actions, often involving schedules, transportation, or deadlines. For example, checking if one can catch a train or finish a task before a set time.

📖 Grammar Points

It is often used in the structure: Subject + 来得及/来不及 + Verb/Verb Phrase. For example, '我来得及吃饭' (I have time to eat). It can be modified by adverbs like 还 (hái, 'still') or 已经 (yǐjīng, 'already'). Negation is formed with 不: 来不及.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, punctuality and time management are often emphasized, especially in professional or social settings. Using 来得及 reflects a practical concern for scheduling and efficiency, common in daily conversations about appointments or tasks.

🔄 Similar Words

It is often contrasted with 来不及 (láibují), which means 'there's not enough time' or 'to be too late.' While 来得及 focuses on having time, 来不及 indicates a lack of time. Another related word is 按时 (ànshí, 'on time'), which emphasizes punctuality rather than the availability of time.

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