verb phrase HSK 4
Traditional 來不及
too late (to do something) · not enough time · there's no time
Meaning
来不及 expresses that there isn't enough time to complete an action or that it's too late to do something. It literally means 'come not in time.' The phrase emphasizes the inability to finish something before a deadline or critical moment due to insufficient time.
Usage
Used before verbs or verb phrases to indicate time shortage. Common in everyday situations like missing transportation, being unable to prepare adequately, or failing to complete tasks on time. Often followed by the action that cannot be completed in time.
Examples
- 01快点！来不及了，火车要开了。! , .Hurry up! There's no time left, the train is about to leave.
- 02我今天早上来不及吃早饭就出门了。.I didn't have time to eat breakfast this morning before leaving the house.
Characters
Common collocations
- 来不及吃早饭no time to eat breakfast
- 来不及了it's too late now, no time left
- 来不及准备no time to prepare
- 来不及做no time to do
Antonyms
Origin
Formed from 来 (come) + 不 (not) + 及 (reach/in time). The 不 creates a potential complement indicating inability, so the phrase means 'cannot come in time' or 'unable to reach in time.'