In the vast world of the Chinese language, certain expressions encapsulate nuanced meanings that are often hard to translate directly into English. One such phrase is 來不及 (lái bù jí). This article aims to explore its meaning, grammatical structure, and usage through various example sentences. By the end, you will have a deeper understanding of this expressive phrase and how to incorporate it into your Mandarin conversations.
What Does 來不及 (lái bù jí) Mean?
The phrase 來不及 (lái bù jí) essentially means “too late” or “not in time.” It signifies a situation where someone cannot complete an action due to time constraints. The phrase captures a sense of urgency and the feeling of missing an opportunity.
The Grammatical Structure of 來不及
Breaking it down, 來 (lái) means “to come” or “to arrive,” 不 (bù) negates, and 及 (jí) means “to reach” or “to catch up.” Together, they convey the idea of failing to arrive or accomplish something on time.
Components of 來不及
- 來 (lái): This verb indicates the action of coming.
- 不 (bù): A common negation particle in Mandarin, used to negate a verb.
- 及 (jí): Refers to reaching or catching up to something.
Example Sentences Using 來不及
To solidify your understanding of 來不及 (lái bù jí), let’s look at some practical examples:
Example 1
我來不及上課了。
(Wǒ lái bù jí shàngkè le.)
“I am too late for class.”
Example 2
如果你不快點,你來不及趕上火車。
(Rúguǒ nǐ bù kuài diǎn, nǐ lái bù jí gǎn shàng huǒchē.)
“If you don’t hurry, you won’t be able to catch the train.”
Example 3
抱歉,我來不及完成這個報告。
(Bàoqiàn, wǒ lái bù jí wán chéng zhège bàogào.)
“Sorry, I didn’t have time to finish this report.”
Common Scenarios for Using 來不及
Understanding when to use this phrase is crucial. Here are some common scenarios:
- When missing a deadline.
- When arriving late to an event or appointment.
- When realizing that a task cannot be completed in the given time.
Conclusion
In mastering the Chinese language, phrases like 來不及 (lái bù jí) add depth to your communication. It is essential to understand not just the literal meaning, but also the contexts and emotions associated with it. By practicing with the examples provided, you can confidently incorporate 來不及 into your conversations and better express the urgency of time constraints.

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