来不及
How to Say
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How to Write
Meaning: Not enough time
How to Understand
来不及
不及 means 'not enough time' or 'too late'. It is used to express that something cannot be done because there is not enough time or the opportunity has passed.
The character 来 (lái) means 'to come' or 'to arrive', 不 (bù) is a negation meaning 'not', and 及 (jí) means 'to reach' or 'to be able to'. Together, 来不及 literally translates to 'cannot come' or 'cannot reach', implying a lack of time or opportunity.
It is commonly used in situations where someone realizes they are running out of time or have missed an opportunity. For example, if someone arrives late to an event, they might say 来不及 to express that they couldn't make it in time. This phrase reflects the cultural value placed on punctuality and timely action in Chinese society.
Example Sentences
他赶到车站时，火车已经开走了。
He arrived at the station too late; the train had already left.
我来不及吃完午饭就赶去开会了。
I didn't have time to finish my lunch before rushing to the meeting.