如期 (rú qī) vs 火速 (huǒ sù) — on schedule vs swiftly

Subj. + 如期 (rúqī) + Verb / Subj. + 火速 (huǒsù) + Verb

HSK 7–93.0

Pattern diagram

Who / what如期火速Action

Rule structure

如期 (rú qī) normally precedes the verb and means "on time, as agreed"; 火速 (huǒ sù) also precedes the verb and means "immediately, at top speed". Both are neutral-to-formal; 火速 (huǒ sù) is more common in news and official reports.

Rule structure

Examples

救援队火速赶到，物资如期送到。

Jiùyuánduì huǒsù gǎndào, wùzī rúqī sòng dào.

The rescue team arrived at top speed, and the supplies were delivered on schedule.

Examples

救援队火速赶到，物资如期送到。

Jiùyuánduì huǒsù gǎndào, wùzī rúqī sòng dào.

The rescue team arrived at top speed, and the supplies were delivered on schedule.

Try this rule

Two short exercises: see how the rule works in a dialogue and in a sentence. No sign-up needed.

Words from this rule

如

rú

Like, as

期

qī

Period

火

huǒ

Fire

救援

jiù yuán

Rescue

队

duì

Team, squad

赶

gǎn

To hurry, to catch up

到

dào

To arrive, to reach (resultative complement after verbs)

物资

wù zī

Materials, supplies, goods

送

sòng

To deliver, to give as gift; to send; to accompany

Frequently asked questions

How do you say “on schedule vs swiftly” in Chinese with 如期 vs 火速?

Use the structure: Subj. + 如期 (rúqī) + Verb / Subj. + 火速 (huǒsù) + Verb. For example: 救援队火速赶到，物资如期送到。 — “The rescue team arrived at top speed, and the supplies were delivered on schedule”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

救援队火速赶到，物资如期送到。 — “The rescue team arrived at top speed, and the supplies were delivered on schedule”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9.

Tomyo

Learn Chinese grammar with smart reviews

Grammar explanations, exercises and spaced repetition — all in one app.

Download the app

More HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9 grammar rules

向来 — always previously

Subj. + 向来 (xiànglái) + Verb / Adj.

偏 — contrary to expectations

Subj. + 偏偏 (piānpiān) + Verb (undesirable coincidence)

无非 — nothing but

无非 (wúfēi) + Noun / Clause (dismissive)

何必 — why bother

何必 (hébì) + Verb Phrase (rhetorical, unnecessary)

按理 — logically speaking

按理 (ànlǐ) / 按说 (ànshuō) + Clause (conclusion that clashes with the fact)

不妨 vs 务必 — advice vs requirement

不妨 (bùfáng) + Verb Phrase (soft suggestion) / 务必 (wùbì) + Verb Phrase (insistent requirement)

照常 — as usual

Subj. + 照常 (zhàocháng) / 照例 (zhàolì) / 照样 (zhàoyàng) + Verb

碰巧 / 恰巧 — coincidence

Subj. + 碰巧 (pèngqiǎo) / 恰巧 (qiàqiǎo) + Verb Phrase