láidejí: 来得及 - To be in time, To have enough time

• Keywords: laideji, 来得及, Chinese grammar, to have enough time in Chinese, in time Chinese, not too late Chinese, opposite of laibuji, how to say you can make it in Chinese, HSK 3 vocabulary, Chinese potential complement
• Summary: Learn how to use “来得及” (láidejí), a fundamental Chinese term that means “to have enough time” or “to be in time” for a specific event or deadline. This guide breaks down its meaning, cultural context, and practical usage with over 10 example sentences. Understand its crucial difference from its opposite, “来不及” (láibují), and master a key concept for expressing time and possibility in Mandarin Chinese.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): lái de jí
• Part of Speech: Verb Phrase (Potential Complement)
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: To have enough time to do something; to be able to make it in time.
• In a Nutshell: “来得及” is the perfect phrase for when you're looking at the clock and realizing, with a sigh of relief, that you can still make it. It’s not just about having time; it’s about having enough time to meet a specific deadline, whether it's catching a train, finishing a report, or making an apology. It expresses a positive potential—the window of opportunity is still open.

• 来 (lái): To come or to arrive.
• 得 (de): A structural particle that indicates potential or possibility. It acts as a bridge between the action (来) and the result (及).
• 及 (jí): To reach, to catch up with, or to be in time for.

When combined, “来(lái) 得(de) 及(jí)” literally means “to be able to come and reach it.” This structure perfectly captures the idea of successfully arriving at a point in time or completing an action before it's too late.

While “来得及” is a practical, everyday term, it subtly reflects the fast pace of modern Chinese life and the constant awareness of deadlines and opportunities. In a culture where punctuality is valued and opportunities can be fleeting (from university entrance exams to grabbing a limited-time deal online), the ability to assess whether something is “来得及” is a crucial daily calculation. A good Western comparison is the phrase “to make it in time” or “cutting it close,” but “来得及” is often more neutral and objective. It's a simple statement of fact about possibility, rather than an expression of stress or a close call. For example, if you ask a friend, “Can we still make the 8 PM movie?” and they reply, “来得及 (láidejí),” it's a calm, confident assertion that there is sufficient time. This reflects a pragmatic approach to time management—it's either possible or it's not. The drama is often omitted. The very existence of such a common, concise term highlights a social focus on timing, efficiency, and seizing the moment before the door of opportunity closes.

“来得及” is extremely common in daily conversation. You'll hear it constantly in situations involving schedules, deadlines, and transportation.

• Asking about possibility: It's frequently used in questions.
  • A: 我们现在出发，还来得及吗？ (Wǒmen xiànzài chūfā, hái láidejí ma?) - If we leave now, can we still make it?
  • B: 来得及，别担心。(Láidejí, bié dānxīn.) - We can make it, don't worry.
• Reassurance: It's often used to reassure someone (or yourself) that things are under control.
  • 放心吧，我们还来得及吃晚饭。(Fàngxīn ba, wǒmen hái láidejí chī wǎnfàn.) - Relax, we still have enough time to eat dinner.
• Before another verb: It can be followed by a verb phrase to specify the action that there is enough time for.
  • 我来得及去银行取点钱。(Wǒ láidejí qù yínháng qǔ diǎn qián.) - I have enough time to go to the bank and withdraw some money.
• The Inevitable Opposite - 来不及 (láibují): You cannot fully understand `来得及` without its negative form, `来不及` (láibují), which means “it's too late” or “there isn't enough time.” The particle `不 (bù)` replaces `得 (de)` to negate the possibility.
  • 糟糕，我们要来不及了！(Zāogāo, wǒmen yào láibují le!) - Oh no, we're not going to make it!

• Example 1:
  • 快点儿！我们还来得及赶上最后一班地铁。
  • Pinyin: Kuài diǎnr! Wǒmen hái láidejí gǎnshàng zuìhòu yī bān dìtiě.
  • English: Hurry up! We can still make it in time to catch the last subway train.
  • Analysis: This is a classic usage for transportation. “还 (hái)” means “still,” emphasizing that the window of opportunity has not yet closed.
• Example 2:
  • A: 作业明天要交，你写完了吗？ B: 别担心，今天晚上写肯定来得及。
  • Pinyin: A: Zuòyè míngtiān yào jiāo, nǐ xiěwán le ma? B: Bié dānxīn, jīntiān wǎnshang xiě kěndìng láidejí.
  • English: A: The homework is due tomorrow, have you finished it? B: Don't worry, if I write it tonight, I'll definitely have enough time.
  • Analysis: Here, it's used to talk about an academic deadline. “肯定 (kěndìng)” adds a sense of certainty.
• Example 3:
  • 如果你现在就去道歉，也许还来得及。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ nǐ xiànzài jiù qù dàoqiàn, yěxǔ hái láidejí.
  • English: If you go and apologize right now, maybe it's not too late.
  • Analysis: This shows “来得及” used for intangible opportunities, like mending a relationship. The opportunity can “expire” just like a train can leave.
• Example 4:
  • 电影七点半开始，我们现在出发来得及吗？
  • Pinyin: Diànyǐng qī diǎn bàn kāishǐ, wǒmen xiànzài chūfā láidejí ma?
  • English: The movie starts at 7:30, if we leave now, can we make it in time?
  • Analysis: A very common question format for planning social events.
• Example 5:
  • 谢天谢地，我总算来得及在关门前回到了家。
  • Pinyin: Xiètiānxièdì, wǒ zǒngsuàn láidejí zài guānmén qián huídàole jiā.
  • English: Thank goodness, I finally managed to get home before they locked the doors.
  • Analysis: “总算 (zǒngsuàn)” means “finally,” suggesting there was some doubt, but the outcome was positive.
• Example 6:
  • 这家店的打折活动到今晚结束，你现在去买还来得及。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā diàn de dǎzhé huódòng dào jīnwǎn jiéshù, nǐ xiànzài qù mǎi hái láidejí.
  • English: This store's sale ends tonight, if you go buy it now, you still have time.
  • Analysis: Perfect for situations involving shopping, sales, or limited-time offers.
• Example 7:
  • 医生说发现得很早，现在治疗完全来得及。
  • Pinyin: Yīshēng shuō fāxiàn de hěn zǎo, xiànzài zhìliáo wánquán láidejí.
  • English: The doctor said it was discovered very early, so it's not too late at all for treatment now.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates a more serious context, where “来得及” can mean the difference between a good or bad outcome.
• Example 8:
  • 我以为面试已经结束了，没想到还来得及。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ yǐwéi miànshì yǐjīng jiéshù le, méi xiǎngdào hái láidejí.
  • English: I thought the interview was already over, but unexpectedly, I was still in time.
  • Analysis: “没想到 (méi xiǎngdào)” means “unexpectedly,” highlighting a pleasant surprise.
• Example 9:
  • 别着急，慢慢说，时间来得及。
  • Pinyin: Bié zhāojí, màn man shuō, shíjiān láidejí.
  • English: Don't rush, speak slowly, there's enough time.
  • Analysis: A simple, reassuring phrase used to calm someone down, telling them there's no need to hurry.
• Example 10:
  • 你现在开始复习 HSK 考试，只要努力，就来得及。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ xiànzài kāishǐ fùxí HSK kǎoshì, zhǐyào nǔlì, jiù láidejí.
  • English: If you start reviewing for the HSK exam now, as long as you work hard, you'll have enough time.
  • Analysis: A motivational sentence showing that a long-term goal is still achievable if one starts now.

• “来得及” (láidejí) vs. “有时间” (yǒu shíjiān): This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
  • 有时间 (yǒu shíjiān) means “to have free time” or “to be available.” It's about your general schedule.
    • Example: 我明天有时间，我们可以一起吃饭。(Wǒ míngtiān yǒu shíjiān, wǒmen kěyǐ yīqǐ chīfàn.) - I'm free tomorrow, we can eat together.
  • 来得及 (láidejí) means “to have enough time” for a specific task with a deadline.
    • INCORRECT: 我明天来得及，我们可以一起吃饭。 (This sounds like “I'm in time for tomorrow…”)
    • CORRECT: 餐厅八点关门，我们现在走来得及吃饭。(Cāntīng bā diǎn guānmén, wǒmen xiànzài zǒu láidejí chīfàn.) - The restaurant closes at 8, if we go now we'll have enough time to eat.
• The Potential Complement Structure: “来得及” is a perfect example of a potential complement. The structure is Verb + 得/不 + Result.
  • Positive Potential (can do it): Verb + 得 + Result (e.g., 看得见 - kàndejiàn - can see; 听得懂 - tīngdedǒng - can understand)
  • Negative Potential (cannot do it): Verb + 不 + Result (e.g., 看不见 - kànbujiàn - cannot see; 听不懂 - tīngbudǒng - cannot understand)
  • Mastering `来得及 / 来不及` will help you understand this essential grammar pattern.

• 来不及 (láibují) - The direct antonym of `来得及`. It means “not in time” or “it's too late.”
• 赶得上 (gǎndeshàng) - A close synonym, meaning “to be able to catch (something).” It's often used for buses, trains, and planes, and carries a stronger sense of “chasing” or “rushing.”
• 赶不上 (gǎnbushàng) - The antonym of the above, meaning “unable to catch.”
• 及时 (jíshí) - An adverb meaning “timely” or “promptly.” It describes an action that happened at just the right moment. 你来得真及时！(Nǐ lái de zhēn jíshí!) - Your arrival is really timely!
• 按时 (ànshí) - An adverb meaning “on time” or “on schedule.” It emphasizes punctuality according to a predetermined time. 他总是按时完成工作。(Tā zǒngshì ànshí wánchéng gōngzuò.) - He always finishes his work on time.
• 有空 (yǒu kòng) - A colloquial synonym for 有时间, literally “to have empty space (in one's schedule).”
• 来得快 (láidekuài) - “To come quickly.” This uses the same `来得` structure but with a different complement (`快` - fast), showing the versatility of the pattern.