来不及 lái bu jí there's not enough time (to do something)
there's not enough time (to do something); it's too late
How to remember 来不及: 来 come + 不 not + 及 reach = there's not enough time (to do something).
Characters
How it is used
- There isn't enough time (to do it) / too late - 来不及了 (lái bu jí le) it's too late; 来不及吃饭 no time to eat.
- Structure: 来 + 不及 (unable to reach in time). Positive form is 来得及 (lái de jí) 'there's still time'.
- Focuses on running out of time before a deadline/event, not being late in arriving.
Example sentences
- 时间快来不及了。 Shíjiān kuài láibùjí le.We're running out of time.