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Expressing "when" with 的时候 ("deshi2hou")

的时候 de shíhou

Noun
HSK 2

Structure

(Subj.) + Verb / Adj. + 的 时候, .... Time Word + 的 时候, ....

Translations

  • when
  • while

Definition

“的时候”用于表示某个动作或状态发生的时间点或时间段，相当于英语中的“when”或“while”。

“的时候” is used to indicate the time point or period when an action or state occurs, equivalent to “when” or “while” in English.

Usage

通常放在动词短语、句子或名词后面，构成时间状语，表示在某个动作或状态发生期间。结构为：“动作/状态 + 的时候”。

It is typically placed after a verb phrase, sentence, or noun to form a time adverbial, indicating during the time when an action or state occurs. The structure is: “action/state + 的时候”.

Examples

  • 1 我吃饭的时候看电视。 (I watch TV while eating.)
  • 2 他睡觉的时候手机响了。 (His phone rang while he was sleeping.)
  • 3 下雨的时候记得带伞。 (Remember to bring an umbrella when it rains.)
  • 4 小时候我很喜欢去公园。 (When I was young, I really liked going to the park.)
  • 5 考试的时候不要紧张。 (Don’t be nervous during the exam.)

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