Chinese word

刻不容缓

Pronunciation

Pinyinkè bù róng huǎn

Meaning

  • idiomcannot wait

Example

火势刻不容缓，需要立即灭火。huǒ shì kè bù róng huǎn xū yào lì jí miè huǒ

The fire cannot wait; it needs to be put out immediately.

Illustration for 刻不容缓 (cannot wait)

More examples

疫情防控是刻不容缓的问题，大家要配合防疫措施。yì qíng fáng kòng shì kè bù róng huǎn de wèn tí dà jiā yào pèi hé fáng yì cuò shī

Preventing and controlling the epidemic is a pressing problem, and everyone must cooperate with epidemic-control measures.

Core concept

A short remaining stretch of time that cannot be allowed to stretch any further.

Common phrases

  • 刻不容缓的问题kè bù róng huǎn de wèn tí

    pressing problem

  • 刻不容缓的任务kè bù róng huǎn de rèn wù

    pressing task

Similar words

当务之急dāng wù zhī jí: The most urgent matter requiring attention at the present time.
迫在眉睫pò zài méi jié: Something pressing so close at hand that it needs an immediate response.
火烧眉毛huǒ shāo méi máo: An extremely pressing situation that cannot wait for action.

Definition in Chinese

表示事态极其紧急，时间不允许拖延，必须立即处理或作出决定。biǎo shì shì tài jí qí jǐn jí shí jiān bù yún xǔ tuō yán bì xū lì jí chú lǐ huò zuò chū jué dìng

Word origin

刻 (kè, "a moment") + 不 (bù, "not") + 容 (róng, "allow") + 缓 (huǎn, "slow") expresses a moment in which slowing down is not allowed.

Usage tips

  • In personal conversation, this expression can make a request sound weightier than intended, while it fits situations presented as matters of public or formal urgency.

Other meanings

  • urgentidiom

Opposites

Word lists with this word