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