A1 Time Expressions 15 min read Easy

Chinese Time Words: Today, Tomorrow, Now

Always place time words before the verb to set the stage for your action.
Mark as Learned
Practice it

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

In Chinese, time words usually go right at the start of the sentence or immediately after the subject.

  • Time words like {今天|jīntiān} (today) act as anchors for the sentence.
  • Place the time word before the verb, e.g., {我|wǒ} {今天|jīntiān} {吃|chī} {饭|fàn}.
  • Unlike English, you don't need to change the verb form for past or future.
Time + Subject + Verb + Object

Overview

Chinese time words are fundamental grammatical elements that establish the temporal context of an action or state. Unlike many Indo-European languages where verbs conjugate to indicate tense, Chinese largely relies on these distinct time words, often placed at the beginning or near the beginning of a sentence, to convey when something occurs. This system simplifies verb forms significantly, as verbs themselves do not change based on past, present, or future.

Instead, the time word provides the necessary temporal anchor for the entire sentence. Mastering their placement and usage is crucial for clear and natural communication in Chinese, even at an A1 level.

This grammar rule reflects a core principle in Chinese linguistics: the establishment of context before the main event or action. Think of it as setting the stage (time) before the actors (subject and verb) perform. These time words are immutable; they do not inflect for number, gender, or case, making them relatively straightforward to learn once their positions are understood.

Words like 今天 (jīntiān, today), 明天 (míngtiān, tomorrow), and 现在 (xiànzài, now) are among the most frequently used and provide the basic framework for discussing present, future, and immediate past events.

How This Grammar Works

The foundational principle governing Chinese time words is that time always precedes the action or verb. This is a significant departure from English, where time expressions can often appear at the end of a sentence. In Chinese, the temporal setting is presented early to contextualize the event that follows.
This structure aligns with the broader Chinese topic-comment grammatical pattern, where known information (the topic, which can include time) is presented first, followed by new information or the comment.
There are two primary positions for time words: either at the very beginning of the sentence, functioning as a broader temporal setting for the entire statement, or immediately after the subject, specifying the time for that particular actor's action. Both placements ensure the time context is established before the verb phrase. Placing a time word at the end of a sentence, a common error for English speakers, fundamentally disrupts this logical flow and often renders the sentence unintelligible or highly unnatural to a native speaker.
The specific choice between the two main positions often depends on emphasis, which will be discussed further in the "Formation Pattern" section.
Chinese also adheres to a "Big to Small" logical sequence when combining multiple time elements. This means that broader time frames are stated before narrower ones. For example, when referring to a specific moment, you would typically mention the day before the part of the day, and the part of the day before the hour.
This hierarchical arrangement creates a clear, unambiguous temporal reference, mirroring how addresses are ordered from country to specific building number. This consistency makes it easier to construct complex time expressions once the basic principle is grasped.
Consider the sentence structure: Subject + Time Word + Verb Phrase or Time Word + Subject + Verb Phrase. The time word acts as an adverbial modifier, providing additional information about when the action takes place. Unlike English, which might use prepositions like "on" or "at" with time expressions, Chinese time words stand alone.
For instance, you say 今天 (jīntiān, today) rather than "on today," or 现在 (xiànzài, now) instead of "at now." This directness is a key characteristic of Chinese temporal expressions.

Formation Pattern

1
Chinese time words can be categorized by their specificity and their typical positions within a sentence. For A1 learners, focusing on the most common time words and their two primary placements is essential. These words, while simple in form, carry significant grammatical weight in establishing the sentence's tense.
2
Key A1 Time Words:
3
| Chinese (Pinyin) | English Equivalent | Notes |
4
|:------------------|:-------------------|:---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
5
| 今天 (jīntiān) | Today | Refers to the current day. Can be combined with parts of the day (e.g., 今天早上 - jīntiān zǎoshang, this morning). |
6
| 明天 (míngtiān) | Tomorrow | Refers to the day after today. Also combinable (e.g., 明天下午 - míngtiān xiàwǔ, tomorrow afternoon). |
7
| 昨天 (zuótiān) | Yesterday | Refers to the day before today. Also combinable (e.g., 昨天晚上 - zuótiān wǎnshang, last night). |
8
| 现在 (xiànzài) | Now | Refers to the immediate present moment. Usually placed before the verb, sometimes at the very beginning for emphasis. |
9
| 早上 (zǎoshang) | Morning | Generally refers to early morning until around 9-10 AM. Can be standalone or follow a day word (今天早上). |
10
| 上午 (shàngwǔ) | Late Morning/Forenoon | Refers to the period from approximately 9-10 AM until noon. Differentiates from 早上 for specific timing. |
11
| 中午 (zhōngwǔ) | Noon/Midday | Refers specifically to the lunchtime period around 12 PM. |
12
| 下午 (xiàwǔ) | Afternoon | Refers to the period from noon until early evening. |
13
| 晚上 (wǎnshang) | Evening/Night | Refers to the period from late afternoon until bedtime. Often used to mean "tonight" when combined with 今天 (今天晚上). |
14
Primary Sentence Structures:
15
Subject + Time Word + Verb Phrase:
16
This is the most common and neutral structure, integrating the time word closely with the subject's action. It sounds natural and is widely applicable in daily conversation.
17
Pattern: Subject + Time Word + Verb (+ Object)
18
我 今天 学习汉语。 (Wǒ jīntiān xuéxí Hànyǔ.)
19
I today study Chinese.
20
(I study Chinese today.)
21
他 现在 吃饭。 (Tā xiànzài chīfàn.)
22
He now eat meal.
23
(He is eating now.)
24
我们 明天晚上 看电影。 (Wǒmen míngtiān wǎnshang kàn diànyǐng.)
25
We tomorrow evening watch movie.
26
(We are watching a movie tomorrow evening.)
27
Time Word + Subject + Verb Phrase:
28
This structure places greater emphasis on the time itself. By front-loading the time word, you highlight when the action occurs, often setting the scene for the entire statement. It can sound slightly more formal or emphatic.
29
Pattern: Time Word + Subject + Verb (+ Object)
30
明天 我去北京。 (Míngtiān wǒ qù Běijīng.)
31
Tomorrow I go Beijing.
32
(Tomorrow, I am going to Beijing.)
33
现在 他在工作。 (Xiànzài tā zài gōngzuò.)
34
Now he at work.
35
(Right now, he is working.)
36
昨天下午 玛丽买了一个包。 (Zuótiān xiàwǔ Mǎlì mǎile yī ge bāo.)
37
Yesterday afternoon Mary bought one CL bag.
38
(Yesterday afternoon, Mary bought a bag.)
39
The "Big to Small" Sequence for Combined Time Words:
40
When expressing a more specific time, you must follow the hierarchy of time. From broader to narrower:
41
| Large Unit | Medium Unit | Small Unit |
42
|:------------|:------------|:-----------|
43
| Day (今天) | Part of Day (早上) | Specific Hour (八点) |
44
今天早上 (jīntiān zǎoshang) - This morning
45
(Correct: Day before Part of Day)
46
明天下午 (míngtiān xiàwǔ) - Tomorrow afternoon
47
(Correct: Day before Part of Day)
48
昨天晚上 (zuótiān wǎnshang) - Last night/Yesterday evening
49
(Correct: Day before Part of Day)
50
明天早上八点 (míngtiān zǎoshang bā diǎn) - Tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock
51
(Correct: Day > Part of Day > Hour)
52
现在 (xiànzài) always refers to the exact present moment and does not combine with other time words in the same way as 今天, 明天, or 昨天.

When To Use It

You will use Chinese time words whenever you need to indicate the specific temporal setting of an event, action, or state. Their use is mandatory for clarity and grammatically correct sentence construction when discussing timing. This applies to a wide range of situations in daily life:
  • Discussing daily routines: To talk about what you do on a particular day or part of a day.
  • 我今天早上喝咖啡。 (Wǒ jīntiān zǎoshang hē kāfēi.) - I drank coffee this morning.
  • 她明天工作。 (Tā míngtiān gōngzuò.) - She works tomorrow.
  • Making plans or appointments: Time words are indispensable for scheduling and coordinating with others.
  • 我们明天下午见面，好吗？ (Wǒmen míngtiān xiàwǔ jiànmiàn, hǎo ma?) - Shall we meet tomorrow afternoon?
  • 你现在有时间吗？ (Nǐ xiànzài yǒu shíjiān ma?) - Do you have time now?
  • Recounting past events: Even though A1 focuses on basic past, 昨天 is essential for simple past statements.
  • 他昨天去了商店。 (Tā zuótiān qùle shāngdiàn.) - He went to the store yesterday.
  • 我昨天晚上学习汉语了。 (Wǒ zuótiān wǎnshang xuéxí Hànyǔ le.) - I studied Chinese last night.
  • Stating current actions or states: 现在 is used constantly to talk about what is happening at the present moment.
  • 我现在很忙。 (Wǒ xiànzài hěn máng.) - I am very busy now.
  • 他们现在在开会。 (Tāmen xiànzài zài kāihuì.) - They are having a meeting right now.
Essentially, any sentence that answers the implicit question "When?" will require a time word. At the A1 level, this often means indicating the day, part of the day, or the immediate present. As you progress, you will learn more specific time words (e.g., for weeks, months, years, specific hours), but the core placement rules remain consistent.
The clarity provided by early placement of time words is a hallmark of Chinese communication; it removes ambiguity about the temporal scope of the verb's action from the outset.

Common Mistakes

Beginners frequently encounter specific challenges when integrating Chinese time words due to the fundamental structural differences from English. Recognizing these common pitfalls and understanding their underlying reasons is key to accurate and natural communication.
  1. 1Placing Time Words at the End of the Sentence: This is by far the most prevalent error for English speakers. In English, it's perfectly natural to say, "I will go to the park tomorrow." Directly translating this into Chinese as 我去公园明天 (Wǒ qù gōngyuán míngtiān) is grammatically incorrect and sounds highly unnatural. The Chinese listener expects the temporal context first. When the time word appears at the end, it feels like an afterthought, breaking the established topic-comment flow. The correct structures are 我明天去公园 or 明天我去公园.
  1. 1Incorrect "Big to Small" Order for Combined Time Expressions: Another common mistake is reversing the hierarchical order of time elements. For instance, saying 下午明天 (xiàwǔ míngtiān) instead of 明天下午 (míngtiān xiàwǔ) for "tomorrow afternoon" is incorrect. This violates the Day > Part of Day > Hour convention. The Chinese language prefers this logical progression, moving from the general to the specific. Always remember to state the larger time unit before the smaller one.
  1. 1Confusing 现在 (xiànzài) with general "nowadays" or "currently": While 现在 means "now" in the sense of the immediate present moment, it should not be used to describe general current trends or the present era, which would typically use terms like 现在社会 (xiànzài shèhuì, current society) or phrases like 最近 (zuìjìn, recently/lately). 现在 is strictly for what is happening at this very instant.
  • Correct: 我现在没时间。 (Wǒ xiànzài méi shíjiān.) - I don't have time now.
  • Incorrect: 现在年轻人喜欢上网。 (Xiànzài niánqīngrén xǐhuān shàngwǎng.) - "Now" young people like to surf the internet. (Should be 现在社会 or similar for "nowadays").
  1. 1Using Prepositions with Time Words: English often uses prepositions like "on" (on Monday), "at" (at 5 PM), or "in" (in the morning) with time expressions. Chinese time words typically stand alone and do not require such prepositions. Beginners sometimes try to insert 在 (zài, at/in/on) before time words, which is usually unnecessary and incorrect for general time expressions. 在 is generally used for locations or for indicating that an action is in progress (在 + verb + 呢).
  • Correct: 我昨天回家了。 (Wǒ zuótiān huí jiā le.) - I went home yesterday.
  • Incorrect: 我在昨天回家了。 (Wǒ zài zuótiān huí jiā le.)
  1. 1Overlooking Nuances between 早上 and 上午: While both refer to morning, 早上 generally implies early morning (before 9 or 10 AM), whereas 上午 covers the later part of the morning (9-10 AM until noon). Using 早上 when you mean 11 AM might not cause a complete misunderstanding, but using 上午 demonstrates a more precise grasp of temporal distinctions.
By being mindful of these common errors, you can significantly improve the naturalness and grammatical correctness of your Chinese sentences involving time words.

Real Conversations

Understanding how time words function in real-world interactions is key to moving beyond textbook examples. Native speakers use these words fluidly, often adapting their placement for emphasis or to reflect the conversational flow in modern contexts like texting, social media, and casual chat.

1. Casual Planning (Texting/Chat Apps):

In informal settings, the subject might sometimes be omitted if clear from context, but the time word's position remains crucial.

- A: 你明天有空吗？ (Nǐ míngtiān yǒu kòng ma?) - Do you have free time tomorrow?

- B: 明天上午我没课。 (Míngtiān shàngwǔ wǒ méi kè.) - Tomorrow morning I don't have class.

- A: 好，那我们明天下午见？ (Hǎo, nà wǒmen míngtiān xiàwǔ jiàn?) - Okay, then shall we meet tomorrow afternoon?

Notice how 明天上午 and 明天下午 clearly establish the time first.

2. Describing Current Activities (现在):

现在 is one of the most frequently used time words, especially in calls or texts when asking about someone's immediate activity.

- A: 你现在在做什么？ (Nǐ xiànzài zài zuò shénme?) - What are you doing right now?

- B: 我现在在吃饭呢。 (Wǒ xiànzài zài chīfàn ne.) - I'm eating right now.

- A: 方便说话吗？ (Fāngbiàn shuōhuà ma?) - Is it convenient to talk?

Here, 你现在 and 我现在 put the focus on the immediate present action. In highly informal contexts, you might sometimes hear 现在 at the very end of a question, e.g., 你在干嘛现在？ (Nǐ zài gànmá xiànzài?) – What are you doing now? – but for learners, the standard 你现在在干嘛？ is safer and more universally accepted.

3. Recounting Simple Events (昨天):

Even for basic storytelling or sharing experiences, 昨天 helps set the scene quickly.

- 我昨天晚上看了一个很有意思的电影。 (Wǒ zuótiān wǎnshang kànle yī ge hěn yǒu yìsi de diànyǐng.) - Last night, I watched a very interesting movie.

- 昨天我学汉语了。 (Zuótiān wǒ xué Hànyǔ le.) - Yesterday, I studied Chinese.

Both Subject + Time + Verb and Time + Subject + Verb patterns are common, reflecting a choice in emphasis, but the time word consistently precedes the action.

4. Combining Time and Place (Cultural Insight):

Just as Chinese prioritizes time before action, it often prioritizes Time before Place when both are present in a sentence. This follows a logical progression: when did something happen, then where, then what action took place.

- 我今天下午在图书馆学习。 (Wǒ jīntiān xiàwǔ zài túshūguǎn xuéxí.)

I today afternoon at library study.

(This afternoon, I am studying at the library.)

This shows a typical Chinese sentence flow of Time (今天下午) then Place (在图书馆) before the Action (学习). This further reinforces the principle of setting the full context before detailing the verb's execution.

Quick FAQ

  • Q: Can I use two or more time words in one sentence?
  • A: Yes, absolutely! When you use multiple time words, you must adhere to the "Big to Small" rule. This means arranging them from the broadest time frame to the most specific. For example, 今天晚上 (jīntiān wǎnshang, tonight/this evening) or 昨天早上八点 (zuótiān zǎoshang bā diǎn, yesterday morning at eight o'clock). You would not say 晚上今天 or 八点早上昨天.
  • Q: Do I need a word for "at" or "on" before Chinese time words, like in English?
  • A: No, you typically do not. Chinese time words stand alone as adverbial modifiers. There's no need for prepositions like 在 (zài) before them when they simply indicate time. For instance, you say 明天 (míngtiān, tomorrow), not 在明天. The only exception is if 在 is used to indicate an action in progress at a particular time (e.g., 我明天下午在吃饭。 - I will be eating tomorrow afternoon, implying being in the middle of eating). But for simple time indication, 在 is not used.
  • Q: Is 晚上 (wǎnshang) the same as "night"?
  • A: Yes, 晚上 generally translates to both "evening" and "night." It covers the period from late afternoon through to bedtime. For example, 今天晚上 means "tonight." If you want to specify very late night, sometimes terms like 深夜 (shēnyè, late night/deep night) are used, but 晚上 is the broad term for the entire evening and night period.
  • Q: Can 现在 (xiànzài) be omitted in very casual conversation?
  • A: While the full form is 你现在在做什么？ (Nǐ xiànzài zài zuò shénme?), in extremely casual texting or very informal speech, especially among close friends, people might sometimes say 你在干嘛现在？ (Nǐ zài gànmá xiànzài?). However, this inverted word order is highly informal and not grammatically standard. For A1 learners, it's strongly recommended to stick to Subject + 现在 + Verb or 现在 + Subject + Verb to ensure clarity and correctness. This informal usage highlights how native speakers might occasionally bend rules, but it is not a pattern to emulate as a beginner.
  • Q: What's the difference between 早上 (zǎoshang) and 上午 (shàngwǔ)?
  • A: Both refer to parts of the morning, but 早上 typically means early morning, roughly from sunrise until around 9 or 10 AM. It often carries a connotation of the very beginning of the day. 上午 refers to the later part of the morning, from about 9 or 10 AM until noon. So, if you wake up early, you'd use 早上; if you have a class at 11 AM, you'd use 上午.
  • Q: Why is the time word placed before the verb in Chinese?
  • A: This reflects a fundamental aspect of Chinese grammar: establishing the context or topic first, before providing the comment or new information. The time is considered essential context for the action. By stating when something happens before what happens, Chinese sentences achieve clarity and avoid ambiguity from the outset. This pattern is deeply ingrained in the language's structure and is consistent across many grammatical constructions.

Basic Sentence Structure

Time Subject Verb Object
{今天|jīntiān}
{我|wǒ}
{吃|chī}
{苹果|píngguǒ}
{明天|míngtiān}
{你|nǐ}
{去|qù}
{北京|běijīng}
{现在|xiànzài}
{他|tā}
{看|kàn}
{书|shū}
{今天|jīntiān}
{我们|wǒmen}
{喝|hē}
{茶|chá}
{明天|míngtiān}
{老师|lǎoshī}
{教|jiāo}
{中文|zhōngwén}
{现在|xiànzài}
{大家|dàjiā}
{听|tīng}
{音乐|yīnyuè}

Meanings

These words establish the temporal frame of reference for an action relative to the speaker's current moment.

1

Absolute Time

Specific points in time relative to 'now'.

“{今天|jīntiān} {很|hěn} {热|rè}.”

“{明天|míngtiān} {是|shì} {星期五|xīngqīwǔ}.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Chinese Time Words: Today, Tomorrow, Now
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Time + Subj + Verb
{今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {公园|gōngyuán}
Negative
Time + Subj + 不 + Verb
{今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} {不|bù} {去|qù} {公园|gōngyuán}
Question
Time + Subj + Verb + 吗
{今天|jīntiān} {你|nǐ} {去|qù} {公园|gōngyuán} {吗|ma}?
Subject-First
Subj + Time + Verb
{我|wǒ} {今天|jīntiān} {去|qù} {公园|gōngyuán}
Negative-Subj
Subj + Time + 不 + Verb
{我|wǒ} {今天|jīntiān} {不|bù} {去|qù} {公园|gōngyuán}
Question-Subj
Subj + Time + Verb + 吗
{你|nǐ} {今天|jīntiān} {去|qù} {公园|gōngyuán} {吗|ma}?

Formality Spectrum

Formal
{现在|xiànzài} {我|wǒ} {前往|qiánwǎng} {工作|gōngzuò} {地点|dìdiǎn}.

{现在|xiànzài} {我|wǒ} {前往|qiánwǎng} {工作|gōngzuò} {地点|dìdiǎn}. (Leaving for work)

Neutral
{现在|xiànzài} {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {上班|shàngbān}.

{现在|xiànzài} {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {上班|shàngbān}. (Leaving for work)

Informal
{我|wǒ} {现在|xiànzài} {去|qù} {上班|shàngbān} {了|le}.

{我|wǒ} {现在|xiànzài} {去|qù} {上班|shàngbān} {了|le}. (Leaving for work)

Slang
{我|wǒ} {撤|chè} {了|le}, {去|qù} {上班|shàngbān}.

{我|wǒ} {撤|chè} {了|le}, {去|qù} {上班|shàngbān}. (Leaving for work)

Time Word Anchors

Time Word

Past

  • {昨天|zuótiān} Yesterday

Present

  • {今天|jīntiān} Today
  • {现在|xiànzài} Now

Future

  • {明天|míngtiān} Tomorrow

Time Word Placement

Start of Sentence
{今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} {忙|máng} Today I am busy
After Subject
{我|wǒ} {今天|jīntiān} {忙|máng} I am busy today
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

{今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} {很|hěn} {忙|máng}.

I am very busy today.

2

{明天|míngtiān} {是|shì} {星期六|xīngqīliù}.

Tomorrow is Saturday.

3

{现在|xiànzài} {几点|jǐdiǎn}?

What time is it now?

4

{我|wǒ} {今天|jīntiān} {去|qù} {超市|chāoshì}.

I am going to the supermarket today.

1

{你|nǐ} {明天|míngtiān} {有|yǒu} {空|kòng} {吗|ma}?

Are you free tomorrow?

2

{现在|xiànzài} {我|wǒ} {不|bù} {想|xiǎng} {吃|chī} {东西|dōngxi}.

I don't want to eat anything now.

3

{明天|míngtiān} {我们|wǒmen} {去|qù} {看|kàn} {电影|diànyǐng}.

We are going to watch a movie tomorrow.

4

{今天|jīntiān} {天气|tiānqì} {很|hěn} {好|hǎo}.

The weather is very good today.

1

{虽然|suīrán} {今天|jīntiān} {很|hěn} {累|lèi}, {但|dàn} {我|wǒ} {还是|háishì} {要|yào} {学习|xuéxí}.

Although I am tired today, I still have to study.

2

{你|nǐ} {现在|xiànzài} {做|zuò} {的|de} {事情|shìqing} {很|hěn} {重要|zhòngyào}.

What you are doing now is very important.

3

{明天|míngtiān} {的|de} {会议|huìyì} {你|nǐ} {参加|cānjiā} {吗|ma}?

Are you attending tomorrow's meeting?

4

{现在|xiànzài} {是|shì} {下午|xiàwǔ} {三点|sāndiǎn}.

It is 3 PM now.

1

{关于|guānyú} {明天|míngtiān} {的|de} {安排|ānpái}, {我们|wǒmen} {需要|xūyào} {再|zài} {讨论|tǎolùn}.

Regarding tomorrow's plans, we need to discuss further.

2

{现在|xiànzài} {的|de} {科技|kējì} {发展|fāzhǎn} {非常|fēicháng} {快|kuài}.

Current technological development is very fast.

3

{今天|jīntiān} {发生|fāshēng} {的|de} {事|shì} {让|ràng} {我|wǒ} {很|hěn} {惊讶|jīngyà}.

What happened today surprised me.

4

{明天|míngtiān} {无论|wúlùn} {发生|fāshēng} {什么|shénme}, {我|wǒ} {都|dōu} {会|huì} {支持|zhīchí} {你|nǐ}.

No matter what happens tomorrow, I will support you.

1

{现在|xiànzài} {看来|kànlái}, {当初|dāngchū} {的|de} {决定|juédìng} {是|shì} {正确|zhèngquè} {的|de}.

Looking at it now, the initial decision was correct.

2

{明天|míngtiān} {的|de} {挑战|tiǎozhàn} {将|jiāng} {是|shì} {前所未有|qiánsuǒwèiyǒu} {的|de}.

Tomorrow's challenge will be unprecedented.

3

{今天|jīntiān} {的|de} {演讲|yǎnjiǎng} {深刻|shēnkè} {地|de} {影响|yǐngxiǎng} {了|le} {听众|tīngzhòng}.

Today's speech deeply influenced the audience.

4

{现在|xiànzài} {正是|zhèngshì} {采取|cǎiqǔ} {行动|xíngdòng} {的|de} {好|hǎo} {时机|shíjī}.

Now is the perfect time to take action.

1

{今天|jīntiān} {之|zhī} {于|yú} {我们|wǒmen}, {是|shì} {历史|lìshǐ} {的|de} {转折点|zhuǎnzhédiǎn}.

Today, for us, is a turning point in history.

2

{明天|míngtiān} {终将|zhōngjiāng} {到来|dàolái}, {无论|wúlùn} {我们|wǒmen} {是否|shìfǒu} {准备|zhǔnbèi} {好|hǎo} {了|le}.

Tomorrow will eventually come, whether we are ready or not.

3

{现在|xiànzài} {所|suǒ} {做|zuò} {的|de} {一切|yīqiè}, {都|dōu} {将|jiāng} {决定|juédìng} {未来|wèilái}.

Everything done now will determine the future.

4

{今天|jīntiān} {的|de} {繁华|fánhuá}, {或许|huòxǔ} {只是|zhǐshì} {昙花一现|tánhuāyīxiàn}.

Today's prosperity might just be a flash in the pan.

Easily Confused

Chinese Time Words: Today, Tomorrow, Now vs Time vs. Duration

Learners often put duration words at the front like time words.

Chinese Time Words: Today, Tomorrow, Now vs Time vs. Frequency

Learners mix up 'when' (today) and 'how often' (every day).

Chinese Time Words: Today, Tomorrow, Now vs Time vs. Place

Learners often put the place before the time.

Common Mistakes

✗

{我|wǒ} {吃|chī} {饭|fàn} {今天|jīntiān}

✓

{今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} {吃|chī} {饭|fàn}

Time words must come before the verb.
✗

{我|wǒ} {吃|chī} {了|le} {今天|jīntiān}

✓

{今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} {吃|chī}

Don't try to conjugate or add past tense markers to the time word.
✗

{今天|jīntiān} {是|shì} {我|wǒ} {吃|chī} {饭|fàn}

✓

{今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} {吃|chī} {饭|fàn}

Don't add extra verbs like 'is' when not needed.
✗

{我|wǒ} {今天|jīntiān} {吃|chī} {了|le} {饭|fàn} {今天|jīntiān}

✓

{今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} {吃|chī} {饭|fàn}

Don't repeat the time word.
✗

{明天|míngtiān} {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {了|le} {学校|xuéxiào}

✓

{明天|míngtiān} {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {学校|xuéxiào}

Don't use past tense markers with future time words.
✗

{我|wǒ} {去|qù} {学校|xuéxiào} {明天|míngtiān}

✓

{明天|míngtiān} {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {学校|xuéxiào}

Time word placement remains strict.
✗

{现在|xiànzài} {我|wǒ} {是|shì} {去|qù} {学校|xuéxiào}

✓

{现在|xiànzài} {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {学校|xuéxiào}

Avoid unnecessary 'to be' verbs.
✗

{我|wǒ} {学习|xuéxí} {三|sān} {小时|xiǎoshí} {今天|jīntiān}

✓

{今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} {学习|xuéxí} {了|le} {三|sān} {小时|xiǎoshí}

Duration must follow the verb, time point must precede it.
✗

{今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} {学习|xuéxí} {三|sān} {小时|xiǎoshí} {今天|jīntiān}

✓

{今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} {学习|xuéxí} {了|le} {三|sān} {小时|xiǎoshí}

Avoid repeating the time word.
✗

{明天|míngtiān} {我|wǒ} {学习|xuéxí} {了|le} {三|sān} {小时|xiǎoshí}

✓

{明天|míngtiān} {我|wǒ} {要|yào} {学习|xuéxí} {三|sān} {小时|xiǎoshí}

Use correct modal verbs for future duration.
✗

{我|wǒ} {明天|míngtiān} {去|qù} {了|le} {北京|běijīng}

✓

{明天|míngtiān} {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {北京|běijīng}

Avoid aspect markers that imply completion with future time words.
✗

{现在|xiànzài} {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {了|le} {北京|běijīng}

✓

{现在|xiànzài} {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {北京|běijīng}

Aspect markers must match the time frame.
✗

{北京|běijīng} {我|wǒ} {明天|míngtiān} {去|qù}

✓

{明天|míngtiān} {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {北京|běijīng}

While topicalization is possible, this structure is often awkward.

Sentence Patterns

___ {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {学校|xuéxiào}.

{我|wǒ} ___ {吃|chī} {饭|fàn}.

___ {你|nǐ} {忙|máng} {吗|ma}?

{我们|wǒmen} ___ {去|qù} {看|kàn} {电影|diànyǐng}.

Real World Usage

Texting constant

{你|nǐ} {现在|xiànzài} {在|zài} {哪儿|nǎr}?

Social Media very common

{今天|jīntiān} {天气|tiānqì} {真|zhēn} {好|hǎo}!

Job Interviews common

{明天|míngtiān} {我|wǒ} {可以|kěyǐ} {参加|cānjiā} {面试|miànshì}.

Travel common

{明天|míngtiān} {我们|wǒmen} {去|qù} {机场|jīchǎng}.

Food Delivery Apps common

{现在|xiànzài} {下单|xiàdān} {有|yǒu} {优惠|yōuhuì}.

Business Emails common

{今天|jīntiān} {我们|wǒmen} {收到|shōudào} {了|le} {邮件|yóujiàn}.

Sign up free to see all examples
💡

The 'Time-First' Rule

Always try to put your time word at the very beginning of the sentence. It makes you sound much more natural.
⚠️

Don't Conjugate!

Stop yourself from trying to change the verb. Chinese verbs are static. Focus on the time word instead.
🎯

Flexibility

If you want to emphasize the subject, put the time word after it. Both are correct!
💬

Politeness

In formal settings, always mention the time clearly to avoid confusion.

Smart Tips

Move the time word to the very front of the sentence.

{我|wǒ} {今天|jīntiān} {去|qù} {学校|xuéxiào}. → {今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {学校|xuéxiào}.

Use frequency words like '{每天|měitiān}' instead of time points.

{今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {学校|xuéxiào}. → {我|wǒ} {每天|měitiān} {去|qù} {学校|xuéxiào}.

Be very precise with your time words to avoid ambiguity.

{明天|míngtiān} {见|jiàn}. → {明天|míngtiān} {上午|shàngwǔ} {九点|jiǔdiǎn} {见|jiàn}.

You can drop the subject if it's clear from context.

{我|wǒ} {现在|xiànzài} {去|qù} {吃饭|chīfàn}. → {现在|xiànzài} {去|qù} {吃饭|chīfàn}.

Pronunciation

jīn-tiān, míng-tiān

Tone Consistency

Ensure the tones of time words are clear, especially {今天|jīntiān} (1st tone) and {明天|míngtiān} (2nd tone).

jīn-tiān

Neutral Tone

The 'tiān' in 'jīntiān' and 'míngtiān' is often slightly softer but maintains its tone.

Question Intonation

Sentence + {吗|ma} (rising tone)

Indicates a yes/no question.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the time word as a 'Time-Traveler' that always jumps to the front of the line (the sentence) to tell everyone when the action happens.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant clock floating in front of you. When you speak, you grab the clock and place it at the very beginning of your sentence to set the time.

Rhyme

Time at the start, or after the name, Chinese verbs stay just the same.

Story

Little Time-Traveler 'Today' always runs to the front of the sentence. He sees 'I' and says 'Move over, I go first!' So it becomes 'Today I eat.' If 'Today' is tired, he lets 'I' go first, but he still stays right before the verb.

Word Web

{今天|jīntiān}{明天|míngtiān}{现在|xiànzài}{昨天|zuótiān}{时间|shíjiān}{点|diǎn}

Challenge

Write 5 sentences about your day using '{今天|jīntiān}', '{明天|míngtiān}', and '{现在|xiànzài}' and read them out loud.

Cultural Notes

Time words are used very precisely in business to avoid ambiguity.

Similar usage, but often uses slightly more polite particles.

Often uses 'er' suffix for time words like '{今儿|jīnr}' (today) and '{明儿|míngr}' (tomorrow).

These words evolved from ancient Chinese characters representing celestial bodies and natural cycles.

Conversation Starters

“

{你|nǐ} {今天|jīntiān} {做|zuò} {什么|shénme}?

“

{现在|xiànzài} {你|nǐ} {想|xiǎng} {喝|hē} {什么|shénme}?

“

{明天|míngtiān} {你|nǐ} {有|yǒu} {什么|shénme} {计划|jìhuà}?

“

{你|nǐ} {觉得|juéde} {现在|xiànzài} {的|de} {生活|shēnghuó} {怎么样|zěnmeyàng}?

Journal Prompts

Describe your day today using at least 5 sentences.
What are your plans for tomorrow? Write a short paragraph.
Compare your life now with your life in the past.
Reflect on a goal you have for tomorrow and why it matters.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Fill in the correct time word.

___ {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {超市|chāoshì}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {今天|jīntiān}
Time words go at the start.
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

A: {我|wǒ} {吃|chī} {饭|fàn} {今天|jīntiān} B: {今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} {吃|chī} {饭|fàn}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B
Time words must precede the verb.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

{我|wǒ} {去|qù} {学校|xuéxiào} {明天|míngtiān}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both are correct
Time words can be at the start or after the subject.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both
Both placements are valid.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

I am busy today.

Answer starts with: {今天...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} {忙|máng}
Time + Subj + Verb.
Match the time word to its meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Correct
Definitions match.
Build a sentence using 'tomorrow' and 'go'. Sentence Building

{明天|míngtiān} {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {公园|gōngyuán}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {明天|míngtiān} {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {公园|gōngyuán}
Time word must be before the verb.
Which is the correct negative form? Multiple Choice

{今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} ___ {去|qù} {学校|xuéxiào}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {不|bù}
Use {不|bù} for simple negation.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the correct time word.

___ {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {超市|chāoshì}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {今天|jīntiān}
Time words go at the start.
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

A: {我|wǒ} {吃|chī} {饭|fàn} {今天|jīntiān} B: {今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} {吃|chī} {饭|fàn}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B
Time words must precede the verb.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

{我|wǒ} {去|qù} {学校|xuéxiào} {明天|míngtiān}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both are correct
Time words can be at the start or after the subject.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

{我|wǒ} / {今天|jīntiān} / {喝|hē} / {茶|chá}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both
Both placements are valid.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

I am busy today.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} {忙|máng}
Time + Subj + Verb.
Match the time word to its meaning. Match Pairs

{今天|jīntiān} - Today, {明天|míngtiān} - Tomorrow, {现在|xiànzài} - Now

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Correct
Definitions match.
Build a sentence using 'tomorrow' and 'go'. Sentence Building

{明天|míngtiān} {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {公园|gōngyuán}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {明天|míngtiān} {我|wǒ} {去|qù} {公园|gōngyuán}
Time word must be before the verb.
Which is the correct negative form? Multiple Choice

{今天|jīntiān} {我|wǒ} ___ {去|qù} {学校|xuéxiào}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {不|bù}
Use {不|bù} for simple negation.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

{昨天|zuótiān} / {他|tā} / {没|méi} / {来|lái}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {昨天他没来|zuótiān tā méi lái}
Translate 'Today I am very busy' into Chinese. Translation

Today I am very busy.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {今天我很忙|jīntiān wǒ hěn máng}
Match the Chinese time word to its English meaning. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: all_matched
Choose the correct sequence. Fill in the Blank

Tomorrow morning: ___ ___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {明天 早上|míngtiān zǎoshang}
Select the correct sentence for 'I'm watching a movie tonight'. Multiple Choice

I'm watching a movie tonight.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {今天晚上我看电影|jīntiān wǎnshang wǒ kàn diànyǐng}。
Fix the time sequence: 3:00 PM. Error Correction

{三点下午|sān diǎn xiàwǔ}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {下午三点|xiàwǔ sān diǎn}
Reorder: {学校|xuéxiào} / {去|qù} / {我|wǒ} / {现在|xiànzài} Sentence Reorder

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我现在去学校|wǒ xiànzài qù xuéxiào}
Translate 'Good morning' (early morning). Translation

Good morning.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {早上好|zǎoshang hǎo}
Which one means 'yesterday evening'? Multiple Choice

Yesterday evening:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {昨天晚上|zuótiān wǎnshang}
Complete the Zoom call phrase. Fill in the Blank

We meet now: {我们|wǒmen} ___ {见面|jiànmiàn}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {现在|xiànzài}

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, that is a common mistake. It must go before the verb.

No, Chinese verbs never change. Use time words to set the frame.

No, they are interchangeable.

Just add '{吗|ma}' at the end of the sentence.

Use '{每天|měitiān}', which also follows the same placement rules.

No, they are used in all registers.

It's not; it follows the same rules as 'today' and 'tomorrow'.

Yes, but usually one is enough to set the frame.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Hoy / Mañana

Chinese word order is much more rigid regarding time placement.

French moderate

Aujourd'hui / Demain

Chinese verbs don't change form.

German moderate

Heute / Morgen

Chinese relies on word order, not verb conjugation.

Japanese high

Kyou / Ashita

Japanese uses particles like 'wa' or 'ni' to mark time, while Chinese does not.

Arabic moderate

Al-yawm / Ghadan

Chinese is non-inflecting.

Chinese none

今天 / 明天

N/A

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Golden Rule: Time Before Verb
Next
Doing things again with Zài (再)

Continue With

A1 Builds On

Golden Rule: Time Before Verb

Overview Chinese sentence structure operates on a principle of setting the stage first. Unlike English, where time expre...
A2 Builds On

Time Travel 101: Using 以前 (yǐqián) for Before & Ago

Overview Chinese time expressions, particularly `以前 (yǐqián)`, frequently challenge English speakers due to fundamenta...
A2 Builds On

Chinese Time Express: After & In the Future (以后)

Overview `以后` (yǐhòu) is a fundamental Chinese time expression meaning both “after” (following a specific event or tim...
A2 Requires

Chinese Grammar: 'Just Now' (`刚`)

Overview In Chinese, effectively expressing when an action occurred is fundamental to clear communication. One of the mo...
A2 Requires

Expressing 'When' with 的时候 (de shíhou)

Overview When learning Chinese, you'll frequently encounter situations requiring you to express "when" a certain event o...
A2 Builds On

Doing it Right Away ({马上|mǎshàng})

Overview **`马上` (mǎshàng)** is a high-frequency Chinese adverb that conveys the meaning of "immediately," "right away...
A2 Builds On

Chinese Dates & Calendar: Year, Month, Day

Overview Chinese date and calendar expressions operate on a highly logical and consistent principle: **from general to s...
B1 Requires

Every... Single... Time: Using 都 (dōu)

Overview `都 (dōu)` is an essential adverb in Chinese, functioning as a **universal quantifier** that signals complete i...
B1 Requires

First... then... (先...然后/再)

Overview Mastering the art of sequencing actions is fundamental to clear communication in any language. In Chinese, simp...
C1 Builds On

Literary Time Markers: In an Instant (顷刻, 俄而, 未几)

Overview In advanced Chinese, moving beyond conversational fluency requires mastering the nuances of register. The time...

Related Grammar Rules

A1

Golden Rule: Time Before Verb

Overview Chinese sentence structure operates on a principle of setting the stage first. Unlike English, where time expre...
A2

Chinese Grammar: 'Just Now' (`刚`)

Overview In Chinese, effectively expressing when an action occurred is fundamental to clear communication. One of the mo...
B1

Chinese Time Duration: How Long with 'le'

Overview Mastering duration expressions in Chinese is pivotal for intermediate (B1) learners. Unlike many Indo-European...
A1

Doing things again with Zài (再)

Overview `再 (zài)` is a pivotal adverb in Chinese, fundamentally meaning **"again," "once more,"** or **"in addition."*...
A2

Chinese Dates & Calendar: Year, Month, Day

Overview Chinese date and calendar expressions operate on a highly logical and consistent principle: **from general to s...
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!