Meaning
及时 describes doing something at the right time or without delay. It emphasizes catching an opportunity or preventing a problem by acting when needed. The word combines 及 (to reach, to catch up with) and 时 (time), literally meaning 'reaching the time' or 'in time.'
Usage
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to praise prompt action or urge someone to act quickly. Often appears in medical, business, and everyday situations where timing matters. Can function as an adjective modifying nouns (及时的帮助 'timely help') or as an adverb before verbs (及时处理 'handle promptly').
Examples
- 01医生及时赶到，救了病人的命。, .The doctor arrived in time and saved the patient's life.
- 02发现问题要及时报告。.When you discover a problem, you should report it promptly.
Characters
Common collocations
- 及时处理to handle promptly
- 及时发现to discover in time
- 及时通知to notify promptly
- 及时雨timely rain (metaphor for timely help)
Antonyms
Origin
The character 及 originally depicted a hand catching up to someone from behind, representing the concept of reaching or catching up. Combined with 时 (time), it creates the meaning of catching or meeting the right moment.