HSK · Level 106
45 words
Chinese word
顾不上
Pronunciation
Pinyingù bù shàng
Meaning
- verbnot have time for
Example
最近工作太忙，我顾不上朋友了。zuì jìn gōng zuò tài máng wǒ gù bú shàng péng yǒu le
Lately, work has been so busy that I don't have time for my friends.
More examples
最近项目很多，他连睡觉的时间都顾不上。zuì jìn xiàng mù hěn duō tā lián shuì jiào de shí jiān dōu gù bú shàng
Recently, he has so many projects that he doesn't even have time to sleep.
Core concept
Attention is pulled toward an urgent task, leaving no time or energy for another matter.
Common phrases
顾不上休息gù bú shàng xiū xī
not have time to rest
顾不上关心gù bú shàng guān xīn
not have time to care about
顾不上照顾孩子gù bú shàng zhào gù hái zi
not have time to look after the children
Similar words
忙不过来máng bú guò lái: Too many tasks or duties make it impossible to handle everything.
照顾不上zhào gù bú shàng: Lack of time or energy makes caring for someone or something impossible.
抽不出时间chōu bù chū shí jiān: Other commitments leave no time to set aside for a person or activity.
Definition in Chinese
遇到紧急或更重要的事，抽不出时间或精力去关心或处理别的事情。yù dào jǐn jí huò gèng zhòng yào de shì chōu bù chū shí jiān huò jīng lì qù guān xīn huò chú lǐ bié de shì qíng
Word origin
顾 (gù, "attend to") + 不 (bù, "not") + 上 (shàng, "reach") forms a verb meaning that attention or care cannot extend to another matter.
Usage tips
- The phrase usually describes a temporary practical limit caused by competing demands, not a lasting lack of care or concern.