Definition
超时 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning either 'to work overtime' or 'to exceed a time limit'. Both senses share the literal meaning 'exceed time'. When used for overtime, it often appears with 工作 or stands alone. When used for exceeding a time limit, it's common in contexts like exams, games, or deadlines. As a separable verb, you can insert elements between 超 and 时, e.g., 超了三次时 ('exceeded the time limit three times').
v.o.
to work overtimeto exceed a time limit
Examples
- 超时。Tā měitiān dōu yào chāo shí gōngzuò.He has to work overtime every day.
- 超时。Tā yīnwèi chāo shí bèi qǔxiāo le chéngjì.He was disqualified for exceeding the time limit.
- ，。Tā chāo le sān cì shí, zuìzhōng bèi qǔxiāo le zīgé.He exceeded the time limit three times and was finally disqualified.
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