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不及格
bù jígé
fail
他这次考试不及格。
He failed this exam.
formal
To not meet the required standard, especially in an exam or assessment.
如果你不及格，就得重考。
If you fail, you'll have to retake the exam.
这次测验不及格的人需要补习。
Those who failed this quiz need remedial lessons.
Commonly used in educational contexts to indicate failing a test or course.
Pro Tip
Common Mistake
Do not confuse '不及格' with '不合格' (bùhégé), which means 'not qualified' or 'substandard' in a broader sense (e.g., products, people).
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Always check if the context is academic (e.g., exams) when using '不及格.' It is not used for general failures in life.
Word Origin
The word is composed of 三个汉字: '不' (bù, meaning 'not'), '及' (jí, meaning 'reach' or 'meet'), and '格' (gé, meaning 'standard' or 'criterion'). Together, it literally means 'not reaching the standard.'
Usage Notes
Used in formal contexts, especially in education. The opposite is '及格' (jígé, to pass).
Word Breakdown
不
not
prefix及
reach
root格
standard
root汉英词典