HSK 4
来得及/来不及
lái de jí / lái bù jí
来得及 / 来不及
Explanation
来得及 (láidejí) and 来不及 (láibují) are a pair of words expressing whether or not there IS enough time to finish something.
(time/task) + 来得及 (láidejí, to have time / to make it) or + 来不及 (láibují, to not have time / to not make it). They can stand alone as the predicate (the part that states a quality) such as 时间来得及, or be followed by the task to be done.
来得及 when there is still enough time and the task can be finished (often with 还 hái 'still'); 来不及 when time has run out and it can't be done in time (often with 了 le to emphasize that it's already too late/urgent).
来得及/来不及 is a pair of antonyms differing only in 得 (de) and 不 (bù): 得 = able to/in time, 不 = not able to/not in time. This is a potential complement structure (a component after the verb indicating whether the action can be done), so do NOT add 能 (néng) in front.
Vietnamese learners often say 不来及 or 不能来及 due to literally translating 'not in time'; the correct form is 来不及 (inserting 不 in the MIDDLE). Also, do not say 很来得及; if you want to emphasize, use 完全来得及 (entirely in time).
Examples
Don't be anxious, there's still enough time.
It's just six thirty now; if you go right away you'll still make it.
There's no time left, let's hurry and go.
It's still early, we won't be late.
Practice
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Learn “来得及/来不及” effectively
The grammar point “来得及/来不及” (来得及 / 来不及) is one of the key structures at HSK 4. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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