来不及

No base JSON record found for this token.

Character Breakdown

Usage of 来不及

The phrase 来不及 (lái bu jí) is commonly used to express that there is not enough time to do something. It often appears in situations where a deadline or scheduled event is imminent, and the speaker realizes they cannot complete an action in time.

Common Contexts

  • Catching transportation (e.g., buses, trains)
  • Preparing for exams or meetings
  • Responding to urgent situations

Typical Collocations

Nuances

Using 来不及 implies a sense of urgency and sometimes regret. It often contrasts with 来得及, which means "there is enough time." It is usually used in spoken and informal written Chinese.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 来不及 with or alone. 来不及 specifically conveys the lack of sufficient time, while can have other meanings such as "not as good as" depending on context.

Example Sentences

I woke up late and didn't have enough time to catch the early bus.

Don't worry, if there's not enough time, we can go another day.

The exam is about to start, and I don't have enough time to finish reviewing