Definition
跟不上 is a negative potential complement compound formed from 跟 (follow) + 不 (cannot) + 上 (up/attain). It means you cannot keep up with someone in speed, progress, or skill level — whether physically running, learning in class, or staying current with trends. The pattern V+不+result complement is common in Chinese to express inability to achieve a result.
r.v.
cannot keep up with (in pace or progress)cannot match (in ability or level)
Examples
- ，跟不上。Tā pǎo de tài kuài le, wǒ gēnběn gēn bu shàng.She runs too fast; I simply can't keep up.
- ，跟不上。Zhè mén kè yuèláiyuè nán, wǒ yǒudiǎnr gēn bu shàng le.This course is getting harder, and I'm a bit unable to keep up.
- ，跟不上。Nǐ shuōhuà yǔsù tài kuài, wǒ gēn bu shàng nǐ.You speak too fast; I can't keep up with you.
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