On time 还是 In time?“准时”的英语表达你有没有用错?

英语作文    发布时间:2025-06-13  
划词翻译

英语里说“我准时到了”到底是 on time 还是 in time?别小看这两个短语,意思可完全不同哦!这篇文章带你彻底搞懂这对“看似相似,实则有别”的英语表达!


一、“On time” 是“准时不迟到”

on time 强调的是按照预定时间、不早也不晚。就像闹钟响了你正好起床、火车准点出发一样。

✔ 英文释义: at the scheduled or expected time
 ✔ 中文意思: 准时;按照预定时间

  • It is very important to begin meetings on time.
       开会准时,这点很重要。

  • The train arrived on time despite the heavy snow.
       尽管下大雪,火车还是准时到达了。

  • Please submit your report on time.
       请准时提交你的报告。


二、“In time” 是“及时来得及”

in time 强调的是赶上、来得及,可能没有准时,但没迟到,还能做成某事。有时也引申为最终,早晚 的意思。

✔ 英文释义: early enough; not too late
 ✔ 中文意思: 及时;来得及;最终

  • I was just in time to catch the last bus.
       我正好赶上尾班车。

  • I got there just in time to see him off.
       我恰好及时赶到,给他送行。

  • You are just in time for class.
       你刚好赶上上课。

  • Don't worry. In time they will get along well.
       别担心,他们早晚会相处得很好的。

  • If you keep on, you will succeed in time.
       如果你坚持不懈,你一定会成功。


三、常见误区:你是不是说错了?

✘ 常见错误:
 I was just on time to catch the last bus.(错误表达)
 on time 是“准时”,而末班车并没有固定时间,重点在“赶上”,所以应该说:

✔ 正确表达:
 I was just in time to catch the last bus.


四、On time vs In time 总结对照表

表达中文含义使用场景
on time准时(不迟不早)会议、开车、交作业、预定安排
in time及时;来得及;最终赶车、见人、避免问题、未来发展