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  3. Expressing "when" with 的时候 ("déshihou")

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

的时候 de shíhou

Noun
HSK 2

Structure

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

Translations

  • says when something happens

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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