‘及时’ (jí shí) means 'in time' or 'timely' — describing an action that occurs at the right moment, neither too early nor too late. The character 及 (jí) means 'to reach' or 'to catch up with', and 时 (shí) means 'time'; together, they literally suggest 'reaching the appropriate time'. This word emphasizes appropriateness and effectiveness of timing, often implying urgency or importance.

It commonly modifies verbs (e.g., 及时处理, 'handle promptly') or functions as a predicate adjective (e.g., 这个建议很及时, 'This suggestion is timely'). It’s frequently used in formal, written, and spoken contexts — especially in news reports, workplace communication, health advisories, and education — to highlight responsiveness or preventive action before problems worsen.