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来得及 (lái de jí) — to have enough time (to do something); to be able to do something in time

Definition

A phrase meaning 'still have time to' — used in questions or with 还 to ask whether something can be done before a deadline. Negate with 来不及 ('too late').

verb
to have enough time (to do something)to be able to do something in time

Examples

  • 来得及。
    Xiàn zài hái lái de jí qù shāng diàn.
    There's still time to go to the store.
  • 来得及？
    Nǐ lái de jí xiě wán zuò yè ma?
    Can you finish your homework in time?
  • ，来得及。
    Zhǐ yào zǎo yì diǎn chū fā, jiù lái de jí.
    As long as we set out a bit earlier, we'll make it in time.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
补充bǔchōngVerb + complement

An action followed by its result or direction.

来láicome
得及can reach
得décan及jíreach
偏正Modifier + head

来 means to come, and 得及 means being able to reach, so there is still enough time.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 來; 来 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 來 shows a wheat plant: a central ear, upward leaves, and downward stem and roots. The simplified 来 is a later shorthand.

Open 来 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The old form 㝵 showed a hand picking up a cowry, meaning to obtain; later changes turned that picture into 得.

Open 得 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

及 pairs 人 (person) with 又 (hand), showing a hand grabbing a person.

Open 及 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 4HSK 2.0 Level 45000 Most Frequent Chinese Words

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