快要...了 and 就要...了 express that something will happen very soon.
快要...了 - Imminent, happening any moment
就要...了 - About to happen, can include specific time
要...了 - Simpler form, also means "about to"
The train is about to arrive!
We are about to leave tomorrow.
The 了 at the end is essential - it marks the change/imminence.
快要 cannot be used with specific times
- ❌ 明天快要下雨了
- ✅ 明天就要下雨了
- ✅ 快要下雨了
Don't forget the final 了
- ❌ 電影快要開始
- ✅ 電影快要開始了
Practice 快要/就要...了 and other grammar patterns with manga, dramas, and more.
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