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来得及 / 来不及

HSK 4
  • Complements

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Subject来得及 / 来不及(VerbObject)

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

来得及/来不及 used to express whether or not there is still enough time to do something.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

This pair of words is very useful for talking about whether there is enough time for something or not. 来得及 (láidejí) means to be in time / to make it, there is still enough time. Conversely, 来不及 (láibují) means not in time / too late, it is already too late.

This is a form of potential complement, focusing on the ability to complete an action within a given time frame. You can use it on its own or followed by a verb.

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 快点儿，我们还来得及。
    繁: 快點兒，我們還來得及。Kuài diǎnr, wǒmen hái láidejí.

    Hurry up, we still have time.

  2. 现在出发还来得及吗？
    繁: 現在出發還來得及嗎？Xiànzài chūfā hái láidejí ma?

    Is it still in time if we leave now?

  3. 公交车走了，来不及了。
    繁: 公交車走了，來不及了。Gōngjiāochē zǒu le, láibují le.

    The bus has left, it's too late now.

  4. 我今天来不及吃早饭了。
    繁: 我今天來不及吃早飯了。Wǒ jīntiān láibují chī zǎofàn le.

    I didn't have time to eat breakfast today.

  5. 我想跟他道歉，但是来不及了。
    繁: 我想跟他道歉，但是來不及了。Wǒ xiǎng gēn tā dàoqiàn, dànshì láibují le.

    I wanted to apologize to him, but it's too late now.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong:我没有时间去机场了。
    Correct:我去机场来不及了。

    没有时间 means 'no free time', while 来不及 emphasizes 'not in time' for a specific deadline (such as a flight).

  • Wrong:我不及去学校了。
    Correct:我来不及去学校了。

    来不及 is a fixed phrase; 来 cannot be omitted. The entire phrase must be used to express the meaning of 'too late' or 'not in time'.