lai2 m4 cit3嚟唔切
Jyutpinglai2 m4 cit3
Yalelái m̀h chit
Definition
Not being able to make it in time; running out of time to do something.
colloquialtimedaily actions
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the inability to complete an action before a deadline or arrival time. It functions as a resultative verb compound where the negative marker 唔 is placed between the verb 嚟 and the potential complement 切. It is frequently used when discussing transit, appointments, or meeting specific time constraints.
Examples
I am leaving now, but I probably won't make it in time.
You haven't packed your bags yet, will you make it in time tomorrow?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 趕唔切, which emphasizes the active struggle of rushing against time. While they are often interchangeable, 嚟唔切 specifically highlights the failure to arrive or finish by the required moment.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
