这个星期

§ What does it mean and when do people use it?

“这个星期” (zhège xīngqī) is a fundamental Chinese phrase that literally translates to “this week.” It’s a noun, and it’s used in exactly the same way you’d use “this week” in English. If you’re just starting to learn Chinese, this is one of those phrases you'll hear and use constantly. It helps you talk about current plans, events, or anything happening within the present seven-day period.

DEFINITION

This week.

Think of any time you’d say “this week” in English – that’s when you’d use “这个星期” in Chinese. It’s perfect for discussing:

• **Plans:** “What are you doing this week?”
• **Events:** “There’s a big festival this week.”
• **Current status:** “I’m very busy this week.”
• **Schedules:** “My classes start this week.”

One common mistake English speakers make is trying to add extra words, but “这个星期” is a complete phrase on its own. You don’t need a preposition like “in” or “on” before it, unlike in some English constructions. It directly indicates the time frame.

As you can see in the example above, “这个星期” comes after the subject (我 - I) and before the verb (很忙 - very busy). This is a common sentence structure in Chinese when indicating when something happens. The time phrase often comes at the beginning of the sentence or right after the subject.

Here, “这个星期” starts the sentence, setting the time context immediately. Both positions are perfectly natural and commonly used. Don't overthink it. The key is to get used to inserting this phrase where you'd naturally put “this week” in English.

Understanding and correctly using “这个星期” will immediately boost your ability to discuss current events and make plans in Chinese. It’s a simple but incredibly powerful phrase for A1 learners. Practice saying it out loud and try to incorporate it into your daily Chinese conversations.

§ What “这个星期” Means

DEFINITION

“这个星期” (zhège xīngqī) is a noun that translates to "this week." It's used just like you would say "this week" in English.

It's pretty straightforward. When you want to talk about the current week, this is your go-to phrase.

§ How to Use “这个星期”

You can use “这个星期” at the beginning of a sentence, at the end, or in the middle, depending on what you want to emphasize. It functions as a time phrase.

Translation hint: This week I am very busy.

Translation hint: Are you free this week?

§ Similar Words and When to Use Them

There are a few other words related to weeks that you should know. Let's compare “这个星期” with some common alternatives.

• 上个星期 (shàng ge xīngqī) – last week

  This one is for the week before the current one. It uses “上” (shàng), which often means "up" or "previous" in time expressions.

  上个星期我去了北京。

  Translation hint: Last week I went to Beijing.

• 下个星期 (xià ge xīngqī) – next week

  For the week after the current one, you use “下” (xià), which often means "down" or "next" in time expressions.

  下个星期我们会有一个考试。

  Translation hint: Next week we will have an exam.

• 每星期 (měi xīngqī) or 每个星期 (měi ge xīngqī) – every week

  If something happens regularly, every week, you use “每” (měi). Both “每星期” and “每个星期” are correct and mean the same thing.

  我每星期都去健身房。

  Translation hint: I go to the gym every week.

The key difference is the first character: “这” (zhè) for "this," “上” (shàng) for "last," “下” (xià) for "next," and “每” (měi) for "every." The “个” (ge) is a common measure word that you'll often see with time periods, but it's sometimes optional, especially in casual speech or with “每星期”.

Mastering these simple time words will really help you talk about plans and past events clearly. Keep practicing, and you'll get it!