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Summary: Learn the crucial Chinese word 及时 (jíshí), which means “timely,” “in time,” or “promptly.” This page breaks down how jíshí is more than just being fast; it's about acting at the perfect, opportune moment, often to provide help or prevent a problem. Discover its cultural significance, see practical examples for work and daily life, and understand the key difference between 及时 (jíshí) and 准时 (zhǔnshí) (on time) to avoid common mistakes.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): jíshí
Part of Speech: Adverb, Adjective
HSK Level: HSK 4
Concise Definition: Happening or done at the right moment; without delay.
In a Nutshell:及时 (jíshí) describes an action that occurs at the most opportune or necessary moment. It's not just about speed, but about perfect timing. Think of it as “just in the nick of time.” When help, a warning, or a solution arrives 及时, it means it came exactly when it was needed most, often preventing a negative outcome and bringing a sense of relief.
Character Breakdown
及 (jí): The primary meaning is “to reach” or “to catch up with.” It implies achieving a certain point or standard.
时 (shí): This character simply means “time,” “moment,” or “opportunity.”
Together, 及时 (jíshí) literally means “to reach the time” or “to catch the moment.” This beautifully captures the essence of the word: an action that successfully “meets” the perfect moment in time to be effective.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese culture, there's a strong appreciation for practicality, efficiency, and anticipating needs. Acting 及时 is a highly valued trait that demonstrates conscientiousness, responsibility, and social awareness. It shows you are not just following a schedule, but you are actively engaged and responsive to a developing situation.
Comparison with Western Concepts: While English has “timely,” 及时 (jíshí) is used more frequently and carries a stronger sense of relief or of a problem being averted. It's often compared to “punctuality” (being on time), but they are fundamentally different. Punctuality is about adhering to a pre-arranged clock time (like a 9 AM meeting). 及时 (jíshí) is about responding to a situational need that has no fixed schedule. For example, firefighters arriving 及时 is a response to an emergency, not a pre-scheduled appointment. This highlights a cultural focus on responsive, situation-aware action.
Practical Usage in Modern China
及时 (jíshí) is extremely common in both spoken and written Chinese. It's used across all levels of formality.
As an Adverb (及时 + Verb): This is its most common usage, placed before a verb to describe an action done in a timely manner.
In Business: `发现问题要及时报告。` (Fāxiàn wèntí yào jíshí bàogào.) - “If you find a problem, you must report it promptly.”
In Health: `如果你生病了，应该及时就医。` (Rúguǒ nǐ shēngbìng le, yīnggāi jíshí jiùyī.) - “If you get sick, you should seek medical attention in a timely manner.”
As an Adjective (及时的 + Noun): It can also describe a noun, meaning a “timely [noun].”
`谢谢你及时的提醒。` (Xièxiè nǐ jíshí de tíxǐng.) - “Thank you for the timely reminder.”
`这场雨真是一场及时雨。` (Zhè chǎng yǔ zhēn shì yī chǎng jíshíyǔ.) - “This rain is truly a timely rain.” (Note: `及时雨` is also an idiom for timely help).
Connotation: The connotation is almost always positive. It implies a good outcome resulted from the timing. The opposite, 不及时 (bù jíshí), is distinctly negative, suggesting a problem worsened due to delay.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
谢谢你及时的帮助，不然我就麻烦了。
Pinyin: Xièxiè nǐ jíshí de bāngzhù, bùrán wǒ jiù máfan le.
English: Thank you for your timely help, otherwise I would have been in trouble.
Analysis: A classic example of expressing gratitude. The help arrived exactly when it was needed most, preventing a bad situation.
English: If you feel unwell, you must go see a doctor promptly.
Analysis: This is common advice. 及时 here means “without undue delay” or “before it gets worse.” It's about taking action at the appropriate early stage of a problem.
English: If there are any updates, please inform us promptly.
Analysis: A formal request for timely communication, essential for coordination and planning.
Example 10:
消防员及时赶到，控制了火势。
Pinyin: Xiāofángyuán jíshí gǎndào, kòngzhì le huǒshì.
English: The firefighters arrived in time and controlled the fire.
Analysis: A perfect example of 及时 in an emergency context. Their arrival wasn't scheduled, but it was perfectly timed to the need.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 及时 (jíshí) and 准时 (zhǔnshí).
及时 (jíshí) - Timely, In Time: Refers to acting at the right moment based on a situation's needs. There is no pre-set schedule. It's about responsiveness.
Correct: `救护车来得很及时。` (The ambulance arrived just in time.)
Incorrect: `救护车来得很准时。` (This would imply the ambulance was scheduled to arrive at a specific time, which is strange for an emergency.)
准时 (zhǔnshí) - On Time, Punctual: Refers to adhering to a pre-determined schedule or deadline. It's about clock time.
Correct: `他每天都准时上班。` (He gets to work on time every day.)
Incorrect: `他每天都及时上班。` (This sounds odd, as if his arrival at work every day saves the company from some impending disaster.)
Another comparison: 及时 (jíshí) vs. 马上 (mǎshàng)
马上 (mǎshàng) means “immediately, right away” and emphasizes speed starting from the present moment. `我马上来` (I'll come right now).
及时 (jíshí) emphasizes the opportune nature of the moment, which could be in the past, present, or future. `你来得真及时` (You came at just the right time). It's less about raw speed and more about perfect timing.
Related Terms and Concepts
准时 (zhǔnshí) - “On time,” “punctual.” Used for schedules and appointments; conceptually opposite to the situational nature of 及时.
按时 (ànshí) - “On schedule,” “according to the planned time.” A close synonym of `准时`.
立刻 (lìkè) - “Immediately,” “at once.” A more formal synonym of `马上` that emphasizes instant action.
马上 (mǎshàng) - “Immediately,” “right away.” A very common and slightly more colloquial term for doing something without delay.
赶紧 (gǎnjǐn) - “Hurriedly,” “losing no time.” Implies a sense of urgency to start an action quickly.
尽快 (jǐnkuài) - “As soon as possible.” Expresses the desire for a future action to be completed in a timely fashion.
及时雨 (jíshíyǔ) - A wonderful idiom literally meaning “timely rain.” It is used to refer to desperately needed, timely help.