Being punctual means respecting both your own commitments and others' time.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to being exactly on time.
- Indicates reliability in following a schedule.
- Commonly used to describe people or transport.
常见语境：在职场中，准时参加会议是专业表现；在交通领域，准时的火车或公交车是公共服务效率的体现；在社交中，准时赴约是对他人的尊重。
- 1近义词辨析：与“及时”（in time）不同，“准时”（on time）强调的是时间点上的精确，而“及时”强调的是在需要的时间范围内完成或到达。例如，准时到达是正好在8点到，而及时到达是赶在事情发生前完成。
Examples
他每天都准时上班。
everydayHe goes to work on time every day.
感谢您的准时出席。
formalThank you for your punctual attendance.
你能不能准时一点？
informalCan you be a bit more punctual?
准时的航班对于机场运营至关重要。
academicPunctual flights are crucial for airport operations.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
准时赴约
Keep an appointment on time
保证准时
Guarantee punctuality
尽可能准时
As punctual as possible
Often Confused With
及时 means 'in time' or 'timely', focusing on doing something before it is too late. 准时 focuses on the specific clock time.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '准时' in both formal and informal registers. It is highly valued in professional environments. It is often used as an adverbial modifier before verbs.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '及时' when they mean '准时'. Remember that '准时' is about the schedule, not about preventing a negative outcome.
Tips
Use it to show reliability
Pairing this word with '非常' (very) highlights your professionalism. It is a great way to compliment someone's work habits.
Don't confuse with '及时'
Remember that '准时' is about the clock, while '及时' is about urgency or timing. Using the wrong one can change the meaning of your sentence.
Punctuality in Chinese culture
While traditionally flexible, modern Chinese society places high value on punctuality, especially in business and formal education.
Word Origin
The word is composed of '准' (exact/standard) and '时' (time). It reflects the historical development of standardized timekeeping in society.
Cultural Context
Punctuality is a sign of respect in Chinese culture. Arriving on time for a dinner or meeting is considered a basic social courtesy.
Memory Tip
Think of '准' (accurate/standard) + '时' (time). If you are 'accurate with time', you are punctual.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions两者意思非常接近，几乎可以互换。“准时的”侧重于强调时间点精确，“按时的”则更多强调按照计划进行。
对应的英语词汇是 punctual 或 on time。Punctual 常用于形容人的性格，on time 常用于形容事件或交通。
最直接的反义词是“迟到的”或“拖延的”。在非正式场合，也可以说“不准时”。
非常常用。在商务邮件或面试反馈中，称赞对方“准时”是极好的评价，代表对方值得信赖。
Test Yourself
他是一个非常___的人，从不迟到。
形容人守时，应使用“准时”。
“这趟列车很准时。”的意思是？
准时意味着按照时刻表运行，没有延误。
会议 / 我们 / 准时 / 开始 / 了
“准时”作为状语修饰动词“开始”。
Score: /3
Summary
Being punctual means respecting both your own commitments and others' time.
- Refers to being exactly on time.
- Indicates reliability in following a schedule.
- Commonly used to describe people or transport.
Use it to show reliability
Pairing this word with '非常' (very) highlights your professionalism. It is a great way to compliment someone's work habits.
Don't confuse with '及时'
Remember that '准时' is about the clock, while '及时' is about urgency or timing. Using the wrong one can change the meaning of your sentence.
Punctuality in Chinese culture
While traditionally flexible, modern Chinese society places high value on punctuality, especially in business and formal education.
Examples
4 of 4他每天都准时上班。
He goes to work on time every day.
感谢您的准时出席。
Thank you for your punctual attendance.
你能不能准时一点？
Can you be a bit more punctual?
准时的航班对于机场运营至关重要。
Punctual flights are crucial for airport operations.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More work words
充裕的
B2Abundant, ample, or sufficient in quantity.
事故
A2accident; mishap
依照
A2According to; in accordance with.
准确地
A2accurately, precisely
做到
A2to achieve; to accomplish
积极地
A2actively; enthusiastically
应变
B2Adaptive; capable of dealing with emergencies.
行政
A2Administration; the management of affairs.
过后
A2Afterwards; at a later or subsequent time.
赞同
A2To approve of, to endorse; to agree with or support.
