When you run out of time to complete an action, use '来不及'.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used when there is not enough time to do something.
- Indicates missing an opportunity due to time constraints.
- Commonly used in daily life for urgent situations.
概述：‘来不及’是一个非常地道的中文表达，字面意思是‘来（到达）的时间（及）不上（赶得上）’。它常用于描述由于时间紧迫，导致某项任务无法按计划完成，或者无法赶上预定的交通工具、会议等。
- 1使用模式：‘来不及’通常作谓语。常见结构为：[主语] + 来不及 + [做某事]（如：来不及吃饭）；或者 [主语] + 来不及 + [名词/地点]（如：来不及赶火车）。在口语中，常与‘了’连用，表示‘已经’错过了，如‘来不及了’。
Examples
我来不及吃早饭了。
everydayI don't have time to eat breakfast.
现在出发可能来不及了。
formalIt might be too late to leave now.
快点！要来不及了！
informalHurry up! We're running out of time!
由于时间限制，来不及详细讨论。
academicDue to time constraints, we cannot discuss in detail.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
来不及了
It's too late (time is up).
根本来不及
Simply not enough time.
还好来得及
Fortunately, there is still enough time.
Often Confused With
Refers to failing to catch a vehicle or keep up with a pace, while '来不及' refers to general time insufficiency.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This phrase is primarily used in spoken Chinese. It is neutral in formality but carries a sense of urgency. It is rarely used in written literary prose.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it to mean 'late' (e.g., 'I am late'). However, '来不及' means 'not enough time', not 'being late' (which is 迟到).
Tips
Use with '了' for urgency
Adding '了' at the end emphasizes that the time has already run out. It is the most common way to express panic or realization.
Do not confuse with '赶不上'
Focus on whether the issue is the 'amount of time' (来不及) or the 'speed/sync' (赶不上).
Reflecting fast-paced life
This phrase is frequently used in modern Chinese urban life, reflecting the busy schedules of city dwellers.
Word Origin
Derived from the combination of 'come' (来) and 'reach/catch up' (及), literally meaning 'time to arrive is not enough to catch up'.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, punctuality is highly valued, so '来不及' is often used as a polite way to apologize for being unable to complete a task or meet a deadline.
Memory Tip
Imagine you are running to a bus that is leaving; you look at your watch and sigh, 'Not enough time!' - that is '来不及'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“来不及”强调时间不足以完成动作，而“赶不上”强调没有跟上某人的速度或交通工具。例如，去车站晚了，可以说“来不及买票”或“赶不上火车”。
它主要用于口语，但在工作汇报中提到截止日期紧张时也可以使用。正式场合建议使用“时间紧迫”或“无法按时完成”。
“来得及”是它的反义词，表示时间还够。例如，“还有十分钟，还来得及。”
加“了”表示动作的状态已经发生变化，即“时间已经耗尽”，强调紧迫感。
Test Yourself
我起晚了，___吃早饭了。
因为起晚了，所以时间不够，应该用“来不及”。
Score: /1
Summary
When you run out of time to complete an action, use '来不及'.
- Used when there is not enough time to do something.
- Indicates missing an opportunity due to time constraints.
- Commonly used in daily life for urgent situations.
Use with '了' for urgency
Adding '了' at the end emphasizes that the time has already run out. It is the most common way to express panic or realization.
Do not confuse with '赶不上'
Focus on whether the issue is the 'amount of time' (来不及) or the 'speed/sync' (赶不上).
Reflecting fast-paced life
This phrase is frequently used in modern Chinese urban life, reflecting the busy schedules of city dwellers.
Examples
4 of 4我来不及吃早饭了。
I don't have time to eat breakfast.
现在出发可能来不及了。
It might be too late to leave now.
快点！要来不及了！
Hurry up! We're running out of time!
由于时间限制，来不及详细讨论。
Due to time constraints, we cannot discuss in detail.
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