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Expressing "when" with 时 ("shi2")

时 de shíhou

Noun
HSK 3

Structure

Time + 时 ，Subj. ⋯⋯

Translations

  • when
  • while

Definition

表示“当……的时候”，用于引导时间状语从句，强调在某个动作发生或状态存在的时刻。

Indicates 'when', used to introduce a time adverbial clause, emphasizing the moment when an action occurs or a state exists.

Usage

通常放在动词短语或名词后面，构成时间状语。结构为“动词短语+时”或“名词+时”，有时也可用“在……时”加强语气。

Usually placed after a verb phrase or noun to form a time adverbial. The structure is 'verb phrase + shi' or 'noun + shi', sometimes 'zai...shi' for emphasis.

Examples

  • 1 吃饭时不要说话。 (When eating, don't talk.)
  • 2 他睡觉时总爱做梦。 (He always dreams when sleeping.)
  • 3 下雨时记得带伞。 (Remember to take an umbrella when it rains.)
  • 4 开会时请关掉手机。 (Please turn off your phone during the meeting.)
  • 5 我学习时喜欢听音乐。 (I like to listen to music when studying.)

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