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B1 noun #1,500 most common 11 min read

时期

shiqi Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 时期 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 时期 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '时期' (shíqī) as a way to talk about a 'long time' or a 'special time' in your life. Even though it's a bit formal, you might see it in simple history books or when people talk about being a student. Think of it like the English word 'period.' For example, '学生时期' means 'student period' or 'when I was a student.' It's different from '时间' (shíjiān), which is just 'time' like on a clock. You use '时期' when you want to group many days or years together because they are all similar, like 'when I was a child' or 'during a holiday.' Just remember: '时间' is for hours and minutes, but '时期' is for a stage of life or a part of history. It's a useful word to know when you start reading about China's long history!

At the A2 level, you should start distinguishing '时期' from other time words. '时期' refers to a specific period or stage. You will often see it used with adjectives like '关键' (guānjiàn - critical) or '特殊' (tèshū - special). For instance, '关键时期' means a 'critical period.' You might hear this in a doctor's office or a school meeting. It describes a span of time that has a specific purpose or feeling. A good way to practice is to use it for life stages: '童年时期' (childhood period) or '大学时期' (university period). Unlike '时候' (shíhou), which is very common in speaking ('我小时候'), '时期' is slightly more formal and is used more in writing or serious conversations. When you see '时期,' look at the word before it to understand what kind of period it is.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use '时期' (shíqī) to describe developmental stages and historical contexts. This word is essential for discussing topics like economic development, historical events, and personal growth. It is a noun that often appears in the pattern '在...时期' (during the period of...). For example, '在经济危机时期' (during the economic crisis period). You should be able to distinguish it from '时代' (shídài), which refers to a much larger 'era' like the 'Information Era.' '时期' is more about a specific segment within a larger timeline. It is also used in scientific or medical contexts, such as '潜伏时期' (incubation period). Using '时期' correctly will make your Chinese sound more professional and precise, especially when writing essays or giving presentations about history or social issues.

At the B2 level, '时期' (shíqī) becomes a tool for nuanced analysis. You should understand its use in complex collocations such as '转型时期' (transition period), '繁荣时期' (prosperous period), or '低迷时期' (downturn period). At this level, you are not just describing time, but the *character* of that time. You will encounter '时期' in academic texts, news editorials, and literature. It is often used to frame an argument, such as '在这个特殊的历史时期...' (In this special historical period...). You should also be aware of its synonyms like '阶段' (stage) and '期间' (during). While '阶段' focuses on the steps of a process, '时期' emphasizes the temporal duration and the conditions within it. Mastery of '时期' allows you to discuss the complexities of social change and historical progression with greater sophistication.

At the C1 level, your understanding of '时期' (shíqī) should extend to its subtle rhetorical functions. It is used to delineate specific socio-political or cultural epochs with precision. For example, in literary criticism, you might discuss a writer's 'early period' (早期) versus their 'mature period' (成熟期). In political science, '时期' is used to categorize different administrations or policy shifts. You should be able to use it fluently in formal debates and academic writing. The word often carries an objective, analytical tone. You will also see it in compound terms like '新石器时期' (Neolithic Period), where it functions as a technical term. At this level, you should also be sensitive to how '时期' can be used to create a sense of historical distance or to emphasize the unique challenges of a particular timeframe.

At the C2 level, '时期' (shíqī) is a refined instrument in your vocabulary. You can use it to discuss the historiography of various eras, the cyclical nature of economic 'periods,' and the nuanced stages of psychological or biological development. You should be comfortable using it in highly formal contexts, such as legal statutes or philosophical treatises. For instance, you might analyze the 'transitional period' (过渡时期) of a society moving from one political system to another, discussing the specific tensions and characteristics that define that span of time. Your usage should reflect a deep understanding of how '时期' interacts with other temporal concepts like '纪元' (era/epoch) or '光阴' (time/years). At this level, '时期' is not just a word for a span of time, but a conceptual framework for organizing and interpreting human experience and history.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

时期 in 30 Seconds

时期 (shíqī) is a noun meaning 'period' or 'phase,' used for distinct segments of time in history, life, or processes.
It is more formal than '时候' and more specific than '时间,' focusing on the character of the duration.
Commonly used in phrases like '关键时期' (critical period) and '历史时期' (historical period) to define stages.
Essential for discussing history, economics, and development, it implies a beginning and an end based on specific conditions.

The Chinese word 时期 (shíqī) is a fundamental noun used to describe a specific span of time, a stage in a process, or a historical period. Unlike the general word for time (时间 - shíjiān), 时期 implies a duration that has a distinct character, a beginning, and an end. It is often used to categorize history, economic cycles, or biological development. In a historical context, it refers to a specific dynasty or a phase within a dynasty, such as the 'Early Ming Period.' In a personal context, it might refer to 'adolescence' or a 'period of recovery' after an illness.

Core Concept: A defined interval of time characterized by specific conditions or events.

在抗日战争时期，中国人民表现出了极大的勇气。(During the period of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, the Chinese people showed great courage.)

When we look at the characters individually, 时 (shí) means time or hour, and 期 (qī) means a period, a phase, or a deadline. Combined, they create a word that functions much like 'period' or 'phase' in English. It is less about the clock and more about the 'era' or 'stage.' For instance, an economist might talk about a 'period of rapid growth' (快速增长时期), or a doctor might refer to an 'incubation period' (潜伏时期). It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between everyday life and academic discourse.

这是一个非常时期，我们需要团结一致。(This is an extraordinary period; we need to stand united.)

Historical Usage: Often used to denote archaeological or geological epochs, such as the 'Neolithic Period' (新石器时期).

Furthermore, 时期 is frequently modified by adjectives that define its nature. Common modifiers include 'critical' (关键), 'special' (特殊), 'difficult' (艰难), and 'transitional' (转型). This allows speakers to provide immediate context to the time frame being discussed. If someone says '在这个时期' (during this period), they are usually referring to a context previously established in the conversation, such as a project phase or a life event.

青春时期是人生中最重要的阶段之一。(The period of youth is one of the most important stages in life.)

在那个时期，人们的生活还很艰苦。(During that period, people's lives were still very hard.)

Grammar Note: It functions as a noun and can be the subject, object, or part of a prepositional phrase (e.g., 在...时期).

这个项目已经进入了最后的冲刺时期。(This project has entered the final sprint period.)

Using 时期 (shíqī) correctly involves understanding its collocation patterns and the scale of time it represents. It is most commonly found in the structure [Adjective/Noun] + 时期. For example, 创业时期 (the startup period) or 困难时期 (a difficult period). It is also frequently used with the preposition 在...时期 (during the period of...).

Common Collocations: 关键时期 (Critical period), 历史时期 (Historical period), 转型时期 (Transition period), 黄金时期 (Golden period).

现在是公司发展的关键时期。(Now is a critical period for the company's development.)

One of the most important distinctions to make is between 时期 and 时间. You use 时间 for duration or clock time (e.g., 'I don't have time' or 'two hours of time'). You use 时期 for a qualitative segment of time. You would never say '我有三个时期的空闲' (I have three periods of free time) to mean 'three hours'; instead, you would use 时期 to describe a stage of your life, like '学生时期' (student days/period).

在小学时期，他非常调皮。(During his elementary school period, he was very naughty.)

In formal writing, 时期 is indispensable. It appears in academic papers to delineate study phases, in news reports to describe economic cycles, and in legal documents to specify effective periods. It carries a more formal and objective tone than '时候' (shíhou), which is more colloquial and general. For instance, '我小时候' (when I was little) is common in speech, but '在我的童年时期' (during my childhood period) is more formal and precise.

Scale of Time: Can range from a few weeks (e.g., a recovery period) to thousands of years (e.g., the Stone Age).

这个国家的经济正处于转型时期。(This country's economy is currently in a transition period.)

When discussing history, 时期 is often paired with specific events. For example, '战国时期' (The Warring States Period) or '文革时期' (The Cultural Revolution Period). It helps to categorize time based on the prevailing political or social climate. In modern business, it is used to describe phases of a project: '筹备时期' (preparation period), '实施时期' (implementation period), and '评估时期' (evaluation period).

在那个动荡的时期，许多人选择了离开。(During that turbulent period, many people chose to leave.)

Sentence Pattern: [Subject] + 处于 (is in) + [Adjective] + 时期.

我们的合作已经进入了成熟时期。(Our cooperation has entered a mature period.)

You will encounter 时期 (shíqī) in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from the evening news to high school history textbooks. It is a staple of formal communication in China. In a news broadcast, you might hear a reporter discuss the 'post-pandemic period' (后疫情时期) or a 'period of economic adjustment' (经济调整时期). It lends an air of authority and precision to the discussion of time.

In Education: History teachers use it constantly to divide the long timeline of Chinese civilization into manageable segments.

同学们，今天我们来学习三国时期的历史。(Students, today we are going to study the history of the Three Kingdoms period.)

In the workplace, managers use 时期 to define project timelines and strategic goals. During a quarterly review, a CEO might say, 'We are currently in a period of rapid expansion' (我们正处于快速扩张时期). It helps employees understand the current focus of the company. Similarly, in scientific research, scientists use it to describe the phases of an experiment or the life cycle of an organism, such as the 'larval period' (幼虫时期).

在冰河时期，地球表面大部分被冰雪覆盖。(During the Ice Age period, most of the Earth's surface was covered by ice and snow.)

Socially, while less common than '时候' in casual chat, 时期 is used when people reflect on significant chapters of their lives with a bit more gravity. An older person might talk about the 'period of their youth' (青年时期) with nostalgia. It implies a sense of looking back at a completed chapter. In literature and film, it is used to set the scene, often appearing in opening titles like 'In the period of the Republic...' (在民国时期...).

In Media: Documentaries, news reports, and historical dramas are the most frequent places to hear this word.

这部电影反映了那个特殊时期的社会面貌。(This movie reflects the social features of that special period.)

Finally, in the context of health and wellness, you will hear it in medical advice. A doctor might explain the 'recovery period' (康复时期) after surgery or the 'incubation period' (潜伏时期) of a virus. In these cases, 时期 is used to manage expectations about how long a certain state will last. It provides a structured way to think about the passage of time in relation to biological processes.

感冒的潜伏时期通常是两到三天。(The incubation period for a cold is usually two to three days.)

Professional Jargon: Used in finance (bull/bear periods), law (statutory periods), and psychology (developmental periods).

现在是股市的低迷时期。(Now is a period of downturn in the stock market.)

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing 时期 (shíqī) with 时间 (shíjiān). While both relate to time, they are not interchangeable. 时间 is the general concept of time or a specific duration (hours, minutes). 时期 is a qualitative stage. For example, you cannot say '我有三个时期' to mean 'I have three hours.' You must use '三个小时的时间.' Conversely, calling a historical era a '历史时间' sounds awkward; '历史时期' is the correct term.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 时间: Incorrect: 在这段时间，他还是个孩子。(In this time, he was a child.) -> Correct: 在那个时期，他还是个孩子。(In that period, he was a child.) Note: '这段时间' is actually okay for 'lately,' but '时期' is better for a life stage.

错误：我没有时期去旅游。 (Incorrect: I don't have 'period' to travel.) 正确：我没有时间去旅游。(Correct: I don't have time to travel.)

Another common pitfall is the confusion between 时期 and 时代 (shídài). 时代 refers to a grand 'era' or 'age' that usually marks a significant change in human history or society, like the 'Space Age' (太空时代) or 'The Digital Era' (数字时代). 时期 is more flexible and can refer to smaller, more specific segments. While you can say '唐朝时期' (The Tang Dynasty period), '唐代' (The Tang Era) is also common. However, for a small project phase, '时代' would be far too grand.

错误：现在是互联网时期。(Incorrect: Now is the Internet 'period'.) 正确：现在是互联网时代。(Correct: Now is the Internet era.)

Learners also sometimes confuse 时期 with 期间 (qījiān). 期间 is a formal way to say 'during' or 'in the course of.' It is almost always used as a suffix: '会议期间' (during the meeting), '春节期间' (during the Spring Festival). You cannot use 时期 as a direct replacement for 'during' in this way. For example, '在会议时期' sounds like the meeting lasted for a whole era of history, which is usually not the case!

Mistake 2: Confusing with 期间: Use '期间' for specific events (meetings, holidays). Use '时期' for broader phases (childhood, dynasties).

错误：在比赛时期，他不准喝酒。(Incorrect: During the competition 'period'...) 正确：在比赛期间，他不准喝酒。(Correct: During the competition period...)

Finally, watch out for the scale. 时期 is rarely used for very short durations like a few minutes or hours. If you are talking about a specific 'moment' in time, use 时刻 (shíkè). For example, '关键时刻' (a critical moment) is for a split-second decision, while '关键时期' (a critical period) might last for months. Using the wrong one can change the perceived urgency of your statement.

错误：在那一时期，他突然倒下了。(Incorrect: At that 'period', he suddenly fell.) 正确：在那一时刻，他突然倒下了。(Correct: At that moment, he suddenly fell.)

Summary of Confusion: 时间 (general/clock), 时代 (grand era), 期间 (during an event), 时刻 (moment), 时期 (stage/phase).

我们正处于一个充满挑战的时期。(We are in a period full of challenges.)

To master 时期 (shíqī), it is helpful to compare it with its close synonyms. Each word has a specific nuance that dictates its usage in different social and linguistic contexts. Understanding these subtle differences will help you sound more like a native speaker.

时期 vs. 时代 (shídài): 时期: A specific stage or segment of time (e.g., childhood, a dynasty's middle period).
时代: A grand era or age characterized by significant social/technological change (e.g., the Information Age).

我们生活在互联网时代，但这个项目的开发时期只有三个月。(We live in the internet era, but this project's development period is only three months.)

Another common comparison is with 阶段 (jiēduàn). While 时期 focuses on the time aspect, 阶段 focuses on the 'step' or 'level' in a process. They are often interchangeable when talking about a process (e.g., 'initial stage' can be '初期' or '初始阶段'), but 阶段 is more structural, whereas 时期 is more temporal. You would use 阶段 for steps in a recipe, but 时期 for a decade in history.

时期 vs. 阶段 (jiēduàn): 时期: Emphasizes the duration and characteristics of the time.
阶段: Emphasizes the logical progression or step in a sequence.

这个计划分为三个阶段，每个时期都有不同的任务。(This plan is divided into three stages; each period has different tasks.)

We should also consider 期间 (qījiān). As mentioned before, 期间 is a formal way to say 'during.' It is almost always attached to an event or a noun. For example, '在校期间' (during the time at school) is a common way to describe one's student years in a resume. 时期 is a noun that stands more independently, whereas 期间 acts more like a temporal marker for a specific event.

时期 vs. 期间 (qījiān): 时期: The period itself (e.g., 'a long period').
期间: The time 'during' which something happens (e.g., 'during the holidays').

在抗疫期间，医护人员非常辛苦。(During the anti-epidemic period, medical staff worked very hard.)

Lastly, 时刻 (shíkè) refers to a specific point in time or a very short 'moment.' It is often used for emotional or critical turning points. '最幸福的时刻' (the happiest moment) or '关键时刻' (the critical moment). 时期 is much broader. You might have many 'moments' within a single 'period.' For example, the 'period' of your wedding day contains many 'moments' of joy.

时期 vs. 时刻 (shíkè): 时期: A long duration or stage.
时刻: A specific, often significant, point in time.

在那段艰难的时期，有很多令人感动的时刻。(During that difficult period, there were many moving moments.)

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Prepositional phrases with '在'

Noun modification with '的'

Subject-Predicate-Object structure

Examples by Level

在学生时期，我有很多朋友。

During my student period, I had many friends.

学生时期 (student period) acts as a time noun.

那个时期，天气很冷。

During that period, the weather was very cold.

那个时期 (that period) specifies a past time.

这是他最快乐的时期。

This is his happiest period.

时期 is modified by the adjective '快乐'.

在童年时期，他喜欢画画。

During his childhood period, he liked drawing.

童年时期 (childhood) is a common life stage.

这个时期，我们要多喝水。

During this period, we need to drink more water.

Used to refer to a current situation like a dry season.

他在北京住过一个时期。

He lived in Beijing for a period of time.

Used as a duration of stay.

那是很久以前的时期了。

That was a period from a long time ago.

Emphasizes historical distance.

在这个时期，大家都很忙。

During this period, everyone is very busy.

Refers to a specific busy time.

现在是感冒的高发时期。

Now is the peak period for colds.

高发时期 (peak period) is a common collocation.

在那个特殊时期，我们不能出门。

During that special period, we couldn't go out.

特殊时期 (special period) often refers to emergencies.

这是公司发展的关键时期。

This is a critical period for the company's development.

关键时期 (critical period) implies importance.

他在工作时期非常努力。

He was very hardworking during his working period.

工作时期 refers to the years he was employed.

在那个时期，手机还不流行。

In that period, mobile phones were not yet popular.

Used to compare different technological stages.

这个时期的花开得很美。

The flowers of this period bloom beautifully.

Refers to a specific season or phase.

在学习时期，他总是第一名。

During his study period, he was always first.

学习时期 refers to his time as a student.

那个时期的音乐很有趣。

The music of that period was very interesting.

Used to categorize cultural styles.

青春时期是建立价值观的重要阶段。

The period of youth is an important stage for establishing values.

青春时期 (youth) is used here as a subject.

在经济转型时期，就业压力很大。

During the period of economic transition, employment pressure is high.

经济转型时期 is a formal economic term.

这部小说描写了战争时期的生活。

This novel describes life during the war period.

战争时期 (war period) provides the setting.

在康复时期，病人需要静养。

During the recovery period, the patient needs rest.

康复时期 (recovery period) is a medical term.

这个项目正处于初步设计时期。

This project is currently in the preliminary design period.

处于...时期 (is in the period of) is a formal pattern.

在那个动荡的时期，他失去了家园。

During that turbulent period, he lost his home.

动荡的时期 (turbulent period) describes social unrest.

黄金时期通常指一个人最辉煌的阶段。

The golden period usually refers to the most glorious stage of a person's life.

黄金时期 (golden period) is a common idiom-like phrase.

在实习时期，我学到了很多实用的技能。

During my internship period, I learned many practical skills.

实习时期 (internship period) is a specific career stage.

中国正处于深化改革的关键时期。

China is in a critical period of deepening reform.

A common phrase in Chinese political discourse.

在那个历史时期，儒家思想占据了统治地位。

In that historical period, Confucianism held a dominant position.

历史时期 (historical period) is used for academic analysis.

病毒的潜伏时期长短不一。

The length of the virus's incubation period varies.

潜伏时期 (incubation period) is a precise scientific term.

这个时期的文学作品充满了浪漫主义色彩。

The literary works of this period are full of romanticism.

Used to describe artistic movements.

在那个极度贫困的时期，人们互相帮助。

In that period of extreme poverty, people helped each other.

极度贫困的时期 describes a specific social condition.

我们的合作已经进入了平稳发展时期。

Our cooperation has entered a period of steady development.

平稳发展时期 (steady development period) is a business term.

在那个时期，这种观念是非常超前的。

In that period, this concept was very advanced.

Used to discuss the history of ideas.

青春期的叛逆时期是正常的心理现象。

The rebellious period of adolescence is a normal psychological phenomenon.

叛逆时期 (rebellious period) is a psychological term.

新石器时期标志着人类文明的重大进步。

The Neolithic Period marked a significant advancement in human civilization.

新石器时期 is a technical archaeological term.

该学者的早期作品与成熟时期的风格迥异。

The scholar's early works differ greatly in style from those of his mature period.

成熟时期 (mature period) is used in literary analysis.

在那个动荡不安的过渡时期，社会秩序混乱。

During that turbulent transition period, social order was in chaos.

过渡时期 (transition period) describes a shift between systems.

这一时期，民族主义情绪在欧洲迅速蔓延。

During this period, nationalist sentiments spread rapidly in Europe.

Used to describe ideological trends.

在那个特殊的政治时期，言论自由受到了限制。

During that special political period, freedom of speech was restricted.

特殊的政治时期 is a euphemistic way to describe sensitive times.

这种艺术形式在文艺复兴时期达到了巅峰。

This art form reached its peak during the Renaissance period.

文艺复兴时期 (Renaissance period) is a specific historical era.

在那个经济低迷时期，政府采取了刺激政策。

During that period of economic downturn, the government adopted stimulus policies.

经济低迷时期 (economic downturn) is a formal financial term.

人类历史上曾经历过漫长的冰河时期。

Human history has experienced a long Ice Age period.

冰河时期 (Ice Age) is a geological/historical term.

我们需要审视这一历史时期对当代社会的深远影响。

We need to examine the profound influence of this historical period on contemporary society.

Used in high-level sociological or historical discourse.

在那个权力交替的敏感时期，任何风吹草动都会引起恐慌。

During that sensitive period of power transition, any slight sign of trouble would cause panic.

权力交替 (power transition) and 敏感时期 (sensitive period) are advanced collocations.

这种现象在资本主义发展的初期时期尤为明显。

This phenomenon was particularly evident in the early period of capitalist development.

Used in Marxist or economic historical analysis.

在那个文化大融合的时期，各种思想交相辉映。

During that period of great cultural fusion, various ideas complemented each other.

文化大融合 (cultural fusion) describes a complex social process.

该政策的实施标志着国家进入了一个新的战略机遇时期。

The implementation of this policy marks the country's entry into a new period of strategic opportunity.

战略机遇时期 (period of strategic opportunity) is high-level political jargon.

在那个充满悖论的时期，希望与绝望并存。

In that period full of paradoxes, hope and despair coexisted.

Used in philosophical or literary reflection.

我们必须警惕这一时期可能出现的社会断裂风险。

We must be vigilant against the risk of social fragmentation that may arise during this period.

Social fragmentation (社会断裂) is an advanced sociological concept.

这一时期的建筑风格体现了极简主义与实用主义的结合。

The architectural style of this period reflects the combination of minimalism and pragmatism.

Used in art and architectural history.

Synonyms

时代阶段期间时段

Antonyms

时刻瞬间

Common Collocations

关键时期 (critical period)

历史时期 (historical period)

特殊时期 (special period)

转型时期 (transition period)

黄金时期 (golden period)

困难时期 (difficult period)

初期 (initial period)

末期 (final period)

高峰时期 (peak period)

低迷时期 (downturn period)

Common Phrases

在这个时期 (during this period)

那个时期 (that period)

处于...时期 (to be in the period of...)

进入...时期 (to enter the period of...)

学生时期 (student days)

童年时期 (childhood)

战争时期 (wartime)

和平时期 (peacetime)

创业时期 (startup phase)

繁荣时期 (prosperous times)

Often Confused With

时期 vs 时间 (shíjiān) - general time

时期 vs 时代 (shídài) - era/age

时期 vs 期间 (qījiān) - during

Idioms & Expressions

"非常时期 (extraordinary times)"

"多事之秋 (a period of much trouble)"

"太平盛世 (a period of peace and prosperity)"

"乱世 (troubled times)"

"黄金时代 (golden age - though uses 时代, it is related)"

"青葱岁月 (youthful years)"

"峥嵘岁月 (eventful years)"

"转折点 (turning point - often marks a new 时期)"

"新纪元 (new era)"

"光阴似箭 (time flies like an arrow)"

Easily Confused

时期 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

Formal

It is the standard term for historical periods.

Duration

It implies a duration with a specific character.

Precision

时期 is more precise than 时候.

Common Mistakes

Using 时期 for clock time (e.g., 'What period is it?' to mean 'What time is it?').
Confusing 时期 with 时代 for grand eras (e.g., 'The Stone Period' instead of 'The Stone Age').
Using 时期 instead of 期间 for short events like a meeting.
Forgetting the '在' in '在...时期'.
Using 时期 as a verb.

Tips

Build Collocations

Learn '时期' with its common adjectives like '关键' (critical) and '特殊' (special). This is how native speakers use it most.

Preposition Use

Always remember the '在...时期' structure. It's the most common way to set the time frame for a sentence.

History Matters

If you are reading about Chinese history, '时期' will be everywhere. Use it to help you organize different dynasties in your mind.

Formal vs. Informal

Use '时候' when chatting with friends about your day, but switch to '时期' when discussing your career or education history.

Precision

In essays, use '时期' to delineate the different parts of your argument or the phases of a case study.

News Cues

When you hear '时期' on the news, it usually signals that the reporter is moving to a broader analysis of a situation.

Scientific Texts

In science, '时期' often refers to phases of growth. Look for it in biology or environmental science articles.

The 'Period' Link

Associate '时期' with the English word 'period' in a historical or developmental sense to remember its meaning.

Societal Stages

Understand that '时期' is often used in China to describe the current stage of the country's development.

Avoid '时刻'

Don't use '时期' for a split-second moment. Use '时刻' for that. '时期' needs duration.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Cultural Context

Chinese history is almost always taught using '时期' to divide dynasties into early, middle, and late stages.

Modern Chinese political theory uses '时期' to describe the 'primary stage of socialism' (社会主义初级阶段 - note the use of 阶段 here, but often discussed as a 时期).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你在学生时期最喜欢的科目是什么？ (What was your favorite subject during your student days?)"

"你认为现在是创业的好时期吗？ (Do you think now is a good period for starting a business?)"

"在那个时期，你觉得最大的挑战是什么？ (During that period, what do you think was the biggest challenge?)"

"你最想回到哪段历史时期？ (Which historical period would you most like to return to?)"

"这个时期你通常都在忙些什么？ (What are you usually busy with during this period?)"

Journal Prompts

描写你童年时期的一个难忘瞬间。(Describe an unforgettable moment from your childhood period.)

谈谈你认为目前社会正处于什么样的时期。(Talk about what kind of period you think society is currently in.)

回顾你的大学时期，你最大的收获是什么？ (Looking back at your university period, what was your greatest gain?)

如果你能改变过去的一个时期，你会选哪段？ (If you could change a period from the past, which one would you choose?)

分析一个你感兴趣的历史时期。(Analyze a historical period you are interested in.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you must use 时间 (shíjiān) for general availability. 时期 refers to a stage or period.

Yes, it is more formal than 时候 (shíhou). It is commonly used in writing, news, and academic contexts.

时代 (shídài) is a grand era like the 'Stone Age,' while 时期 (shíqī) is a more specific segment or stage.

It sounds a bit incomplete. It's better to say '在我的学生时期' or '在那个时期' to provide context.

It is 潜伏时期 (qiánfú shíqī) or 潜伏期 (qiánfú qī).

Usually no. Use 季节 (jìjié) for seasons. However, you might use it for a 'rainy period' (多雨时期).

Generally, it refers to a relatively long span, but it can be short if it's a distinct phase, like a 'sprint period' in a project.

Both are used, but '战国时期' is very common in history books to denote that specific span of years.

No, it is strictly a noun.

It means a 'golden period,' the best or most successful time for something or someone.