什么时候有空？
shénme shíhòu yǒu kòng?
When are you free?
Literally: What time have empty space?
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to ask for someone's availability.
- Combines 'when' with 'have empty space'.
- Perfect for friends, colleagues, and casual acquaintances.
Meaning
This is your go-to way to ask someone when they are available to hang out or talk. It is the friendly 'When are you free?' that kicks off almost every social plan in China.
Key Examples
3 of 6Texting a close friend
嘿，你什么时候有空？想请你喝咖啡。
Hey, when are you free? I want to buy you a coffee.
Asking a colleague for a quick sync
王老师，您什么时候有空？我想请教一个问题。
Teacher Wang, when are you free? I'd like to ask for some advice.
Planning a date
这周末你什么时候有空？我们去电影院吧。
When are you free this weekend? Let's go to the cinema.
Cultural Background
In China, social harmony is built on 'renqing' (social favors and connections). Asking when someone is free is the first step in building these bonds, often leading to a shared meal which is the cornerstone of Chinese relationship building.
The 'Er' Factor
In Beijing, people almost always say `有空儿` (yǒu kòngr). Adding that soft 'r' makes you sound like a local pro!
Polite Rejection
If someone asks you this and you're busy, don't just say 'No.' Say `这两天有点忙` (A bit busy these two days) to keep the friendship warm.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to ask for someone's availability.
- Combines 'when' with 'have empty space'.
- Perfect for friends, colleagues, and casual acquaintances.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as the universal key to someone's schedule. In Chinese, 什么时候 means 'when' and 有空 means 'to have free time' or 'to be empty.' You are literally asking when their life has a little gap for you. It is warm, direct, and very common.
How To Use It
You can drop this phrase at the start or end of a sentence. Usually, you put the person you are asking at the very beginning. For example, 你什么时候有空？ is the standard way to say it. If you are texting a close friend, you can even drop the 'you' and just send the phrase. It is like sending a 'ping' to see if they are around.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to grab bubble tea or need a quick favor. It works perfectly for asking a colleague for a brief meeting. It is also the best way to follow up after saying 'We should hang out sometime!' It turns a vague idea into a real plan. Use it when you genuinely want to see someone.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you are talking to a very high-ranking official or a CEO you've never met. In those cases, it might sound a bit too casual or even slightly intrusive. Also, avoid using it if you are about to ask for a massive, exhausting favor. It can feel like a 'trap' if the person says they are free and then you ask them to help you move furniture for six hours! Use a softer approach for big requests.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture is deeply social and food-oriented. Often, asking 什么时候有空？ is the unspoken prelude to an invitation to eat. Unlike some cultures where 'Let's do lunch' is just a polite goodbye, in China, if someone asks when you are free, they usually intend to actually book a time. It reflects the importance of 'guanxi' or maintaining relationships through shared time.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more formal, you can say 您什么时候方便？ which means 'When is it convenient for you?' If you are in a rush, you might just say 有空吗？ which is a quick 'Free?'. In Northern China, you might hear people add an 'r' sound at the end, making it 有空儿. It sounds a bit more earthy and local. No matter which one you use, the goal is the same: making a connection.
Usage Notes
This phrase is safe for 90% of social interactions. Just remember to use 'Nin' instead of 'Ni' if you want to be more polite to elders or superiors.
The 'Er' Factor
In Beijing, people almost always say `有空儿` (yǒu kòngr). Adding that soft 'r' makes you sound like a local pro!
Polite Rejection
If someone asks you this and you're busy, don't just say 'No.' Say `这两天有点忙` (A bit busy these two days) to keep the friendship warm.
Don't be too vague
If you ask this, be ready with a suggestion. If they say 'I'm free now,' and you have no plan, it's a bit awkward!
Examples
6嘿，你什么时候有空？想请你喝咖啡。
Hey, when are you free? I want to buy you a coffee.
Very casual and direct for daily use.
王老师，您什么时候有空？我想请教一个问题。
Teacher Wang, when are you free? I'd like to ask for some advice.
Using 'Teacher' and 'Nin' makes this professional.
这周末你什么时候有空？我们去电影院吧。
When are you free this weekend? Let's go to the cinema.
Specifying 'this weekend' narrows the window.
大忙人，你什么时候才有空见我啊？
Hey Mr. Busy Man, when will you finally have time to see me?
Using 'da mang ren' adds a playful, sarcastic touch.
妈想你了，你什么时候有空回家？
Mom misses you, when do you have time to come home?
Used here to express family longing.
师傅，什么时候有空帮我看看灯？
Master, when do you have time to help me check the light?
Casual way to ask for a small repair favor.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the question: 'When are you free?'
你 ___ 有空？
`什么时候` is the complete question word for 'when' in Chinese.
Complete the phrase to ask if someone has 'empty time'.
你什么时候 ___ ？
`有空` literally means 'to have space/time' to do something.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'When are you free?'
Just 'You free?'
有空吗？
Standard 'When are you free?'
你什么时候有空？
Polite 'When is it convenient?'
您什么时候方便？
Where to use this phrase
Coffee Break
Asking a coworker to step out
Family Call
Asking kids to visit
Dating
Setting up a first meeting
Study Group
Finding time to review
Practice Bank
2 exercises你 ___ 有空？
`什么时候` is the complete question word for 'when' in Chinese.
你什么时候 ___ ？
`有空` literally means 'to have space/time' to do something.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral, but for a boss, it is better to use 您什么时候方便？ (Nín shénme shíhou fāngbiàn?) to show extra respect.
It means 'gap' or 'empty space.' You are literally asking if there is an empty gap in their schedule.
You can say 我现在就有空 (I have time right now) or 周六下午可以 (Saturday afternoon is fine).
Yes! It is very common to text 你什么时候有空？我想给你打个电话 (When are you free? I want to give you a call).
什么时候 is a general 'when,' while 几点 (jǐ diǎn) specifically asks for the clock time (e.g., 3:00 PM).
Not really. If you're asking about a table, ask 还有位子吗？ (Are there seats?). Use this phrase for people, not businesses.
Yes, 有空吗？ is a very common shorthand, like saying 'Free?' in English. It's best for friends.
That is 'Erhua' (r-suffixing), common in Northern China. It makes the speech sound more casual and fluid.
Often, yes. In Chinese culture, the person who initiates the 'When are you free?' and invites usually picks up the tab.
Technically yes, but it sounds weird. It is almost always used for the near future—days or weeks.
Related Phrases
你有空吗？
Are you free?
什么时候方便？
When is it convenient?
改天吧
Let's do it another day.
下次约
Let's meet up next time.
