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Strokes of genius 及
THE Oracle bone script of “及jí” depicts two people walking, the latter reaching out his hand to grab the former’s leg. What does that mean? To catch up! Instead of this concrete action, it now has turned into multiple related abstract meanings.
Firstly, “及jí” means “reach, amount to” as in the important word for all students “及格jígé” (to pass an exam, a test, etc.) For example,
100分满分,60分及格。
100 fēn mǎnfēn, 60 fēn jígé.
The passing score is 60 out of 100.
Secondly, “及jí” also means “be in time for…” Typical expressions are the antonyms “来得及láidejí” (be able to make it in time) and “来不及láibují” (there’s not enough time to do something). For instance,
球来得太突然了,守门员来不及反应。
Qiú lái de tài tūrán le, shǒuményuán láibují fǎnyìng.
All of a sudden, there came the ball, where the goalkeeper couldn’t react in time.
In the meaning of “timely, promptly, without delay,” “及时jíshí” is another commonly used adverb, as in the sentence below:
有问题就应该及时解决。
Yǒu wèntí jiù yīnggāi jíshí jiějué.
Problems should be solved when and where they occur.
“及时jíshí” also turns up in the metaphorical phrase “及时雨jíshíyǔ” for “timely help.” For instance,
主教练关键时刻的换人真是一场及时雨。
Zhǔ jiàoliàn guānjiàn shíkè de huànrén zhēn shì yì chǎng jíshíyǔ.
The coach made a timely substitution at the critical moment, just like timely rain for farmers.
Thirdly, “及jí” is often used to join two or more nouns, with the one following it subordinate in meaning. For example,
配送范围、付款方式及其他
pèisòng fànwéi, fùkuǎn fāngshì jí qítā
delivery area, payment methods and others
Last but not least, “及jí” is a surname as well. And Egypt is called “埃及Aijí” in Mandarin.
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