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B1 noun #2,000 most common 9 min read

日程

rìchéng
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 日程 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 日程 in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are just beginning their journey into the Chinese language. While 日程 (rìchéng) is officially classified as a B1 vocabulary word due to its slightly formal and abstract nature, A1 learners might still encounter it in simple, everyday contexts, especially if they are using Chinese calendar apps or working in a Chinese-speaking environment. At this stage, the most important thing is to recognize the characters and understand the basic meaning: 'schedule'. A1 learners do not need to master complex business phrases like '提上日程' (put on the agenda). Instead, they should focus on recognizing the word when someone asks about their day or when looking at a simple list of activities. For example, understanding a phrase like '今天的日程' (today's schedule) or '我的日程' (my schedule) is sufficient. Teachers might use this word when outlining the plan for the class: '这是我们今天的学习日程' (This is our study schedule for today). A1 learners should practice associating the character 日 (sun/day) with the concept of a daily plan. By simply knowing that 日程 means the plan for the day, A1 learners can start to make sense of basic time management conversations, even if they cannot yet construct complex sentences using the word themselves. It serves as a passive vocabulary word that builds a foundation for future, more active use.
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As learners progress to the A2 level, they begin to talk more about their daily routines, habits, and basic plans. At this stage, 日程 becomes a more active part of their vocabulary. A2 learners should learn how to describe their schedule using simple adjectives. The most crucial adjectives to pair with 日程 at this level are 满 (mǎn - full) and 紧 (jǐn - tight). Being able to say '我明天的日程很满' (My schedule tomorrow is very full) is a highly practical skill for declining invitations or explaining why one is busy. Additionally, A2 learners should start using basic verbs with 日程, such as 有 (yǒu - to have) and 看 (kàn - to look/check). Phrases like '我看一下我的日程' (Let me check my schedule) or '你明天有什么日程？' (What is your schedule tomorrow?) are perfect for this level. These phrases allow learners to coordinate simple meetups with friends or colleagues. The focus at A2 is on practical, immediate personal scheduling. Learners should also be aware of the term 日程表 (rìchéng biǎo - schedule/timetable document), as they might need to ask for or refer to a physical or digital schedule. By mastering these basic collocations, A2 learners can effectively manage their social and basic professional interactions in Chinese.
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The B1 level is where 日程 truly belongs and where learners are expected to use it with confidence and versatility. At this intermediate stage, learners are navigating more complex environments, such as workplaces, travel planning, and detailed event coordination. B1 learners must master the core verbs associated with creating and managing schedules: 安排 (ānpái - to arrange) and 制定 (zhìdìng - to formulate). They should be able to construct sentences like '我们需要为下周的会议安排一个详细的日程' (We need to arrange a detailed schedule for next week's meeting). Furthermore, B1 learners need to understand how to discuss modifications to a schedule using verbs like 推迟 (tuīchí - to delay), 提前 (tíqián - to advance), and 更改 (gēnggǎi - to change). For instance, '因为下雨，我们的旅行日程被推迟了' (Because of the rain, our travel schedule was delayed). At this level, it is also important to distinguish 日程 from similar words like 计划 (plan) and 时间表 (timetable), using each in its appropriate context. B1 learners should be comfortable reading a standard business or travel itinerary in Chinese and discussing its contents. The ability to smoothly integrate 日程 into conversations about time management, project planning, and travel coordination is a key indicator of B1 proficiency.
At the B2 upper-intermediate level, the usage of 日程 becomes more sophisticated, formal, and abstract. Learners at this stage are expected to participate in professional discussions, debates, and complex planning scenarios. A critical phrase to master at the B2 level is the idiom 提上日程 (tí shàng rìchéng), which means 'to put on the agenda' or 'to prioritize'. This is used when a topic or task needs to be officially recognized and scheduled for action. For example, '解决环境污染问题必须尽快提上日程' (Solving the environmental pollution problem must be put on the agenda as soon as possible). B2 learners should also be able to discuss the quality and structure of a schedule using more advanced vocabulary, such as 紧凑 (jǐncòu - compact/tightly packed) or 合理 (hélǐ - reasonable). They should be capable of expressing complex relationships between events, such as '为了保证项目按时完成，我们必须严格遵守既定的日程安排' (In order to ensure the project is completed on time, we must strictly adhere to the established schedule arrangement). At this level, 日程 is not just a list of times; it represents strategy, prioritization, and professional commitment. B2 learners use the word to negotiate deadlines, manage team expectations, and navigate the nuances of corporate or academic planning.
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For C1 advanced learners, 日程 is a tool for nuanced expression in highly formal, professional, and academic contexts. At this level, learners are reading news reports, political analyses, and high-level corporate documents where the word is used to describe macro-level planning and diplomatic choreography. C1 learners will encounter and use phrases like 访问日程 (visiting schedule of a dignitary), 谈判日程 (negotiation schedule), and 施政日程 (administrative agenda). They must understand how the manipulation of a 日程 can imply political or business priorities. For example, '总统的访问日程安排得非常密集，凸显了此次双边会谈的重要性' (The president's visiting schedule is arranged very densely, highlighting the importance of these bilateral talks). C1 learners should be able to use 日程 in complex sentence structures, discussing the implications of scheduling conflicts, the strategic delay of certain agenda items, and the broader impact of time management on organizational success. They should also be sensitive to the register of the word, knowing when to use 日程 versus more colloquial terms depending on the audience. The mastery of 日程 at the C1 level demonstrates a deep understanding of Chinese professional culture and the subtle ways in which time and priority are communicated in formal discourse.
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At the C2 mastery level, the understanding and usage of 日程 are near-native, characterized by complete fluidity, precision, and an appreciation for its literary and rhetorical potential. C2 speakers do not just use the word to convey information; they use it to persuade, analyze, and critique. In high-level diplomatic or strategic discourse, a C2 speaker might analyze how the specific sequencing of a 日程 affects the psychological dynamics of a negotiation. They might write or speak sentences like: '在多边外交斡旋中，如何巧妙地设置议程与日程，往往在无形中决定了各方博弈的最终走向' (In multilateral diplomatic mediation, how the agenda and schedule are cleverly set often invisibly determines the ultimate direction of the game between all parties). At this level, learners can effortlessly play with the concept of 日程, using it metaphorically to describe the inevitable progression of historical or social events (e.g., '历史的日程' - the schedule of history). They possess a comprehensive understanding of all its collocations, synonyms, and cultural connotations, allowing them to deploy the word with absolute accuracy and elegance in any conceivable context, from a casual chat about a busy weekend to a profound academic dissertation on time management in modern governance.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

日程 in 30 Seconds

  • Means 'schedule' or 'itinerary'.
  • Combines 'day' (日) and 'journey' (程).
  • Used for personal, business, and travel plans.
  • Often paired with 安排 (arrange) or 满 (full).

The Chinese word 日程 (rìchéng) is a fundamental noun in the realm of time management, professional organization, and daily planning. To truly understand its depth, we must look at its constituent characters. The first character, 日 (rì), translates to 'sun' or 'day'. It represents the concept of daily occurrences, the passage of time from sunrise to sunset, and the fundamental unit of our calendar. The second character, 程 (chéng), carries the meaning of 'journey', 'sequence', 'rule', or 'procedure'. When combined, 日程 literally translates to 'the journey of the day' or 'the sequence of the day'. In modern usage, it refers specifically to a schedule, an itinerary, or a planned sequence of events and activities that are intended to be completed within a specific timeframe. This word is categorized at the CEFR B1 level, indicating that it is an essential piece of vocabulary for intermediate learners who are beginning to navigate professional environments, travel planning, and more complex social arrangements in Chinese. Understanding 日程 is not just about knowing how to say 'schedule'; it is about grasping how Chinese speakers conceptualize and organize their time. In both personal and professional contexts, having a clear 日程 is highly valued, reflecting efficiency, respect for others' time, and a structured approach to life's demands. Whether you are discussing a busy day at the office, planning a multi-city tour, or simply trying to coordinate a weekend gathering with friends, 日程 is the vocabulary tool you will reach for. Let us explore some detailed examples and structures to solidify this understanding.

Literal Translation
Day's Journey
Core Concept
A structured plan of activities.
Primary Usage
Professional and personal scheduling.

今天的日程很满。

我们需要制定一个新的日程。

会议日程已经发给你了。

请把这件事提上日程。

我的日程安排得非常紧凑。

The cultural significance of maintaining a proper 日程 cannot be overstated in modern, fast-paced Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Shenzhen. The ability to manage one's 日程 effectively is seen as a hallmark of a reliable and competent individual. When you tell a colleague that an item is on your 日程, you are giving them a professional guarantee that it will be addressed. Furthermore, the evolution of digital tools has made the term even more ubiquitous; calendar apps and scheduling software in Chinese will almost always use the term 日程 to denote the events you have saved. By mastering this word, you unlock a crucial aspect of professional and practical communication in the Chinese-speaking world.

Using 日程 correctly involves understanding its most common verb pairings, adjectives, and contextual nuances. Because 日程 is a noun representing a schedule or itinerary, it relies on specific verbs to convey action. The most frequent verb paired with 日程 is 安排 (ānpái), which means 'to arrange'. You will constantly hear the phrase 安排日程 (arrange a schedule) or 日程安排 (schedule arrangement). Another critical verb is 制定 (zhìdìng), meaning 'to formulate' or 'to draft', used when creating a schedule from scratch: 制定日程. When a schedule is particularly busy, Chinese speakers use the adjectives 满 (mǎn - full) or 紧 / 紧凑 (jǐn / jǐncòu - tight/compact). For example, '我今天的日程很满' (My schedule today is very full). If you want to say that a task needs to be prioritized or added to the plan, the idiomatic phrase is 提上日程 (tí shàng rìchéng), which translates to 'put on the agenda' or 'bring to the schedule'. This is an extremely common phrase in business meetings and formal discussions. Let us look at how these elements combine in everyday sentences.

Verb Collocation 1
安排 (ānpái) - to arrange
Verb Collocation 2
制定 (zhìdìng) - to formulate
Adjective Collocation
满 (mǎn) - full / 紧 (jǐn) - tight

老板的日程是由秘书安排的。

下周的日程表已经打印出来了。

我们必须把环保问题提上日程。

因为天气原因，旅行日程被推迟了。

请大家按照日程进行工作。

In addition to these common pairings, it is important to know how to discuss changes to a schedule. If a schedule needs to be changed, you use the verb 更改 (gēnggǎi) or 改变 (gǎibiàn). If an event is delayed, the schedule is 推迟 (tuīchí). If it is moved forward, it is 提前 (tíqián). For instance, '会议日程提前了' (The meeting schedule has been moved up). When navigating travel, 日程 is often used interchangeably with 行程 (xíngchéng - itinerary), though 行程 emphasizes the physical travel aspect more, while 日程 emphasizes the time and sequence of events. By practicing these collocations, learners can transition from simply knowing the translation of the word to actively using it to manage their lives and communicate effectively with native speakers in a variety of dynamic situations.

The word 日程 is ubiquitous in modern Chinese society, appearing across a wide spectrum of contexts ranging from casual daily conversations to highly formal diplomatic broadcasts. The most prominent environment where you will encounter this word is the workplace. In corporate settings, offices, and business meetings, discussing the 日程 is a daily ritual. Project managers, executives, and administrative staff constantly refer to the 日程 to ensure teams are aligned and deadlines are met. You will hear phrases like '检查一下日程' (check the schedule) or '把这个加入日程' (add this to the schedule) echoing in office hallways. Beyond the corporate world, the travel and tourism industry heavily relies on this term. Tour guides will distribute a 旅行日程 (travel itinerary) to tourists, outlining the exact times for sightseeing, meals, and departures. In this context, the word provides structure and reassurance to travelers navigating unfamiliar places.

Context 1: The Workplace
Used for meetings, project timelines, and daily tasks.
Context 2: Travel and Tourism
Used for tour itineraries and flight schedules.
Context 3: News and Politics
Used for diplomatic visits and legislative agendas.

新闻报道了总统的访问日程。

导游正在给大家讲解明天的游览日程。

作为项目经理，他负责把控整个开发日程。

学校公布了期末考试的日程。

我的手机日程提醒我下午有个约会。

Another significant domain where 日程 is frequently heard is in news media and politics. When news anchors report on the activities of government officials, diplomats, or international summits, they frequently detail the 访问日程 (visiting schedule) or 会议日程 (conference schedule). This formal usage highlights the word's capacity to describe highly structured, official sequences of events. Furthermore, in the realm of education, schools and universities publish 考试日程 (exam schedules) and 教学日程 (teaching schedules) to keep students and faculty informed. Even in personal technology, if you set your smartphone or computer's language to Chinese, the calendar application will likely label your events and reminders under the heading 日程. This digital integration means that anyone interacting with modern technology in Chinese will see and interact with this word on a daily basis, making it an inescapable and vital part of the modern Chinese lexicon.

While 日程 is a relatively straightforward noun, learners often make mistakes by confusing it with similar words or by using incorrect verbs and measure words. One of the most common errors is confusing 日程 (rìchéng - schedule/itinerary) with 时间表 (shíjiānbiǎo - timetable). While they are often translated similarly in English, 时间表 usually refers to a fixed, recurring grid of times (like a train timetable or a school class schedule), whereas 日程 refers to a specific plan of events for a particular day or period. You would use 时间表 for the subway, but 日程 for your business trip. Another frequent mistake is confusing 日程 with 过程 (guòchéng - process). Because they share the character 程, learners sometimes swap them. However, 过程 refers to the progression or development of an event over time, not a planned schedule. Saying '我的过程很满' instead of '我的日程很满' is incorrect and confusing to native speakers.

Mistake 1: vs 时间表
Using 日程 for fixed transit timetables.
Mistake 2: vs 过程
Confusing schedule (日程) with process (过程).
Mistake 3: Verb Usage
Using 做 (to do) instead of 安排 (to arrange) with 日程.

❌ 错: 火车的日程是几点？
✅ 对: 火车的时间表是几点？

❌ 错: 学习的日程很长。
✅ 对: 学习的过程很长。

❌ 错: 我做了一个日程。
✅ 对: 我安排了一个日程。

❌ 错: 这是一个好日程。
✅ 对: 这是一个好的日程安排。

❌ 错: 我的日程很多。
✅ 对: 我的日程很满。

Additionally, learners often struggle with the correct adjectives to describe a schedule. In English, we might say 'I have a lot of schedules' or 'My schedule is heavy'. Direct translations of these concepts into Chinese do not work well. Saying '我的日程很多' (My schedules are many) sounds unnatural. The correct and highly idiomatic way to express this is '我的日程很满' (My schedule is full) or '我的日程很紧' (My schedule is tight). Furthermore, learners sometimes use the generic verb 做 (zuò - to do/make) when creating a schedule. While '做日程' might be understood in very casual contexts, the proper and expected verbs are 安排 (ānpái - to arrange) or 制定 (zhìdìng - to formulate). Mastering these distinctions and avoiding these common pitfalls will significantly elevate a learner's fluency and ensure their professional communication is accurate, natural, and respected by native Chinese speakers.

To build a robust vocabulary, it is essential to understand the network of words related to 日程 and how they differ in nuance and application. The Chinese language offers several terms for planning and scheduling, each with its specific flavor. The most closely related word is 行程 (xíngchéng). While 日程 focuses on the 'day' (日) and the timeline of events, 行程 focuses on the 'travel' or 'movement' (行). Therefore, 行程 is best translated as 'itinerary' and is predominantly used when physical travel from one place to another is involved. Another similar word is 议程 (yìchéng), which translates to 'agenda'. The character 议 (yì) means to discuss. Thus, 议程 is specifically used for meetings, conferences, or assemblies to list the topics that will be discussed, rather than the general timeline of the day. Understanding the difference between a meeting's 日程 (when it starts and ends) and its 议程 (what will be discussed) is crucial for professional fluency.

行程 (xíngchéng)
Itinerary; focuses on travel and route.
议程 (yìchéng)
Agenda; focuses on topics to be discussed in a meeting.
计划 (jìhuà)
Plan; a broader term for any intended action.

我们明天的行程是去长城。

会议的第一个议程是财务报告。

你周末有什么计划？

列车时间表贴在墙上。

请把这个项目加入你的工作日程。

Beyond these, the word 计划 (jìhuà - plan) is a broader, more general term. While a 日程 is a specific type of plan bound by time and sequence, a 计划 can be abstract, long-term, or not strictly scheduled. You can have a five-year 计划, but you would not call it a five-year 日程. Lastly, as mentioned in the common mistakes section, 时间表 (shíjiānbiǎo - timetable) is related but distinct, used for rigid, recurring schedules like public transport or school classes. By categorizing these words mentally—日程 for daily schedules, 行程 for travel itineraries, 议程 for meeting agendas, 计划 for general plans, and 时间表 for fixed timetables—learners can navigate complex scheduling conversations with precision and confidence, demonstrating a deep, nuanced grasp of the Chinese language.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Writing 3/5

Grammar to Know

Using adjectives like 满 and 紧 to describe abstract nouns.

The passive voice with 被 (日程被推迟了).

The '把' structure for manipulating objects (把这件事提上日程).

Prepositional phrases with 按照 (按照日程进行).

Resultative complements (安排好日程).

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Examples by Level

1

这是今天的日程。

This is today's schedule.

Noun used as the object of the sentence.

2

我的日程在这里。

My schedule is here.

Possessive pronoun + 日程.

3

看你的日程。

Look at your schedule.

Imperative verb + object.

4

明天有日程吗？

Is there a schedule for tomorrow?

Question using 有 (to have).

5

日程很好。

The schedule is good.

Subject + adjective.

6

我不喜欢这个日程。

I don't like this schedule.

Negative verb + object.

7

日程表在桌子上。

The schedule (timetable) is on the table.

Location phrase with 在.

8

那是他的日程。

That is his schedule.

Demonstrative pronoun + noun.

1

我今天的日程很满。

My schedule today is very full.

Adjective 满 used to describe the schedule.

2

你需要安排一下日程。

You need to arrange the schedule.

Verb 安排 + 日程.

3

让我看一下明天的日程。

Let me check tomorrow's schedule.

Verb 看 + object.

4

周末的日程是什么？

What is the schedule for the weekend?

Question word 什么.

5

这个日程太紧了。

This schedule is too tight.

Adverb 太 + adjective 紧 + 了.

6

我们没有时间，日程满了。

We don't have time, the schedule is full.

Compound sentence explaining a reason.

7

旅行的日程已经发给你了。

The travel schedule has already been sent to you.

Adverb 已经 indicating completed action.

8

你可以改变日程吗？

Can you change the schedule?

Modal verb 可以 + verb 改变.

1

我们需要制定一个详细的会议日程。

We need to formulate a detailed meeting schedule.

Verb 制定 + adjective 详细的 + noun.

2

因为天气原因，我们的日程被推迟了。

Because of the weather, our schedule was delayed.

Passive voice with 被 + verb 推迟.

3

请大家严格按照日程表进行工作。

Please everyone work strictly according to the schedule.

Preposition 按照 (according to).

4

经理正在调整下周的出差日程。

The manager is currently adjusting next week's business trip schedule.

Continuous action with 正在 + verb 调整.

5

这个项目的日程安排得非常合理。

The schedule arrangement for this project is very reasonable.

Degree complement with 得.

6

你能把明天的日程发到我的邮箱吗？

Can you send tomorrow's schedule to my email?

把 structure for moving an object.

7

我们的日程有冲突，需要重新安排。

Our schedules conflict; we need to rearrange.

Noun 冲突 (conflict) + adverb 重新 (re-).

8

为了赶日程，大家都在加班。

In order to catch up with the schedule, everyone is working overtime.

Purpose clause with 为了 + verb 赶.

1

解决这个问题已经被正式提上日程。

Solving this problem has been officially put on the agenda.

Idiomatic phrase 提上日程 with passive 被.

2

紧凑的日程安排使得代表团无暇顾及其他事务。

The compact schedule arrangement left the delegation with no time to attend to other matters.

Causative verb 使得 + formal vocabulary 无暇顾及.

3

制定日程时，必须考虑到各种潜在的突发状况。

When formulating the schedule, one must consider various potential emergencies.

Time clause with 时 + modal verb 必须.

4

原定的日程因为资金不到位而被迫取消。

The originally planned schedule was forced to be canceled because funds were not in place.

Formal adjective 原定的 + passive 被迫.

5

作为行政助理，她的主要职责是统筹安排总经理的日常日程。

As an administrative assistant, her main responsibility is to coordinate and arrange the general manager's daily schedule.

Formal verb 统筹 (coordinate).

6

尽管日程繁忙，他依然坚持每天锻炼身体。

Despite the busy schedule, he still insists on exercising every day.

Conjunction 尽管...依然 (despite...still).

7

双方在会谈日程的细节上存在较大分歧。

The two sides have major differences on the details of the talk's schedule.

Prepositional phrase 在...上 + noun 分歧.

8

这份日程表不仅涵盖了会议时间，还包括了社交活动。

This schedule not only covers meeting times but also includes social activities.

Conjunction 不仅...还 (not only...but also).

1

总统的国事访问日程安排得滴水不漏，展现了极高的外交规格。

The president's state visit schedule was arranged flawlessly, demonstrating a very high diplomatic standard.

Idiom 滴水不漏 (flawless/watertight) as a complement.

2

在瞬息万变的市场环境中，企业必须具备随时调整战略日程的敏捷性。

In a rapidly changing market environment, enterprises must have the agility to adjust their strategic schedule at any time.

Advanced vocabulary 瞬息万变 and 敏捷性.

3

将环保议题提上立法日程，是本届政府对选民的庄严承诺。

Putting environmental issues on the legislative agenda is a solemn promise of this government to the voters.

Subject clause using 将...提上日程.

4

过于饱和的日程不仅会降低工作效率，还会透支员工的身心健康。

An overly saturated schedule will not only reduce work efficiency but also overdraw employees' physical and mental health.

Advanced adjective 饱和的 + verb 透支.

5

组委会经过反复磋商，最终敲定了本届国际论坛的详细日程。

After repeated consultations, the organizing committee finally finalized the detailed schedule of this international forum.

Formal verbs 磋商 (consult) and 敲定 (finalize).

6

任何打乱既定日程的突发事件，都需要启动应急预案来妥善处理。

Any unexpected event that disrupts the established schedule requires the activation of an emergency plan to be handled properly.

Complex noun phrase modifying 突发事件.

7

他习惯于在每天清晨梳理当天的日程，以确保各项事务有条不紊地推进。

He is accustomed to sorting out the day's schedule every early morning to ensure that all matters advance methodically.

Idiom 有条不紊 (methodically/orderly).

8

该项目的推进日程受制于多个外部因素，因此存在较大的不确定性。

The advancement schedule of this project is subject to multiple external factors, therefore there is significant uncertainty.

Formal structure 受制于 (subject to/constrained by).

1

在多边外交斡旋中，如何巧妙地设置议程与日程，往往在无形中决定了各方博弈的最终走向。

In multilateral diplomatic mediation, how the agenda and schedule are cleverly set often invisibly determines the ultimate direction of the game between all parties.

Complex abstract subject + adverbial phrase 在无形中.

2

历史的日程从不以个人的意志为转移，它自有其浩荡向前的内在逻辑。

The schedule of history never shifts according to personal will; it has its own vast and forward-moving internal logic.

Philosophical/literary usage of 日程.

3

这位文学巨匠晚年的创作日程依然严苛，展现出令人敬畏的艺术自律。

The creative schedule of this literary master in his later years remained rigorous, demonstrating awe-inspiring artistic self-discipline.

Advanced adjectives 严苛 (rigorous) and 令人敬畏 (awe-inspiring).

4

宏观经济调控政策的出台日程，必须精准契合经济周期的波动节拍。

The release schedule of macroeconomic regulation policies must precisely match the fluctuating rhythm of the economic cycle.

Highly specialized economic vocabulary (宏观经济调控).

5

面对错综复杂的国际局势，大国之间的战略对话日程显得尤为迫切且深具深远意味。

Facing the intricate and complex international situation, the strategic dialogue schedule between major powers appears particularly urgent and profoundly significant.

Idiom 错综复杂 + formal adverb 尤为.

6

将科技伦理审查前置于研发日程，是防范人工智能潜在风险的必要制度设计。

Placing scientific and technological ethics reviews ahead of the research and development schedule is a necessary institutional design to prevent potential risks of artificial intelligence.

Formal verb 前置于 (place ahead of).

7

繁冗的行政审批日程极大地迟滞了创新型企业的市场化步伐，亟待大刀阔斧的改革。

The cumbersome administrative approval schedule has greatly delayed the marketization pace of innovative enterprises, urgently requiring drastic reform.

Idiom 大刀阔斧 (drastic/bold) + formal verb 迟滞.

8

在这部史诗般的交响乐中，每一个乐章的推进日程都经过了作曲家精密如钟表般的计算。

In this epic symphony, the advancement schedule of every movement has undergone the composer's calculation, as precise as a clock.

Metaphorical use of 日程 in an artistic context.

Antonyms

Common Collocations

安排日程
制定日程
日程表
日程安排
提上日程
日程紧凑
日程很满
会议日程
访问日程
赶日程

Common Phrases

今天的日程
明天的日程
工作日程
旅行日程
把...提上日程
按日程进行
日程有变
检查日程
日程冲突
排满日程

Often Confused With

日程 vs 时间表 (timetable - fixed, recurring)

日程 vs 行程 (itinerary - travel focused)

日程 vs 过程 (process - development over time)

Idioms & Expressions

"提上日程"
"按部就班"
"日理万机"
"有条不紊"
"争分夺秒"
"夜以继日"
"马不停蹄"
"百忙之中"
"千头万绪"
"井井有条"

Easily Confused

日程 vs 时间表

时间表 is for fixed things like trains or classes. 日程 is for your personal or project plans.

日程 vs 行程

行程 emphasizes the travel aspect (going from A to B). 日程 emphasizes the time aspect.

日程 vs 议程

议程 is the list of topics to discuss in a meeting. 日程 is the timeline of the meeting itself.

日程 vs 过程

过程 means process. It has nothing to do with scheduling.

日程 vs 计划

计划 is a general plan. 日程 is a specific, time-bound schedule.

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

nuance

日程 is strictly about time and sequence. It does not describe the content or quality of an event, only its placement in time.

regional

Used universally across Mainland China, Taiwan, and other Chinese-speaking regions with no significant variation in meaning.

Common Mistakes
  • Saying '做日程' instead of '安排日程'.
  • Saying '日程很多' instead of '日程很满'.
  • Confusing 日程 with 时间表 for public transport.
  • Confusing 日程 with 过程 (process).
  • Using 日程 as a verb (e.g., '我日程它').

Tips

Noun Only

Remember that 日程 is always a noun. Never try to use it as an action verb. Always pair it with verbs like 安排 or 制定.

Full vs. Many

Schedules in Chinese are 'full' (满) or 'tight' (紧), not 'many' (多). Say 我的日程很满.

The Golden Verb

If you only remember one verb to use with 日程, make it 安排 (ānpái). 安排日程 is the most common and natural pairing.

Professional Phrase

Memorize '提上日程'. Using this in a meeting shows you are proactive and fluent in corporate Chinese.

Travel Context

When traveling, you will often see 旅行日程. Keep this document handy as it dictates your tour times.

Change Your App Language

Change your phone's calendar app to Chinese. You will see 日程 every day, reinforcing the vocabulary naturally.

Retroflex R

The 'r' in rì is a retroflex sound. Curl your tongue back slightly. Practice saying 'rì chéng' clearly.

Adding 表

If you are asking someone to send you the document, ask for the 日程表, not just the 日程.

Not a Timetable

Don't use it for the bus or train. Those are 时间表. 日程 is for people and projects.

News Clues

In news, '访问日程' means a politician is visiting. Listen for this phrase to understand international news.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine the SUN (日) guiding your JOURNEY (程) through the day. The path you take from sunrise to sunset is your SCHEDULE (日程).

Word Origin

The word is a compound of 日 (sun/day) and 程 (measure/journey/sequence). Historically, 程 referred to a unit of distance or a standard of measurement. Over time, it evolved to mean a sequence or procedure. Combined with 日, it literally means the sequence or journey of a day, which naturally evolved into the modern concept of a daily schedule or itinerary.

Cultural Context

In business, sending a 日程表 in advance of a meeting or visit is standard practice and shows respect.

When asking for a meeting, it is polite to ask '您的日程方便吗？' (Is your schedule convenient?) rather than demanding a specific time.

Chinese calendar apps (like those in WeChat or DingTalk) universally use the term 日程 for events.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你今天的日程满吗？ (Is your schedule full today?)"

"我们什么时候把这件事提上日程？ (When are we putting this on the agenda?)"

"明天的会议日程发给我看一下好吗？ (Could you send me tomorrow's meeting schedule to look at?)"

"周末有什么日程安排？ (What are your schedule arrangements for the weekend?)"

"如果日程有变，请及时通知我。 (If the schedule changes, please notify me in time.)"

Journal Prompts

Write down your ideal 日程 for a weekend.

Describe a time when your 日程 was completely ruined by an unexpected event.

How do you usually 安排 your daily 日程?

What is the most important item on your 日程 this week?

Compare your current 日程 with your schedule from five years ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While native speakers might understand '做日程' in very casual contexts, it is not standard. The correct and natural verbs are 安排 (ānpái - arrange) or 制定 (zhìdìng - formulate). Using the correct verb makes your Chinese sound much more authentic. Stick to 安排日程.

Do not translate this directly as '我有太多日程'. In Chinese, a schedule is considered a single container for your day. Therefore, you say the container is 'full' (满) or 'tight' (紧). The correct phrase is '我的日程很满' (My schedule is full).

日程 is the abstract concept of your schedule or plan. 日程表 (adding 表 - table/form) refers specifically to the physical piece of paper, the spreadsheet, or the digital document that displays the schedule. You 'arrange a 日程' but you 'print a 日程表'.

No, while it is very common in business, it is also used for personal plans, travel, and school. You can talk about your weekend 日程 or your vacation 日程. It simply implies a structured plan for the day.

提上日程 (tí shàng rìchéng) is a very common idiom that means 'to put on the agenda' or 'to schedule for action'. You use it when a topic has been discussed and now needs to be officially planned and executed. It is a great phrase for professional environments.

No, 日程 is strictly a noun. You cannot say '我日程这件事' (I schedule this thing). You must use a verb with it, such as '我把这件事安排进日程' (I arrange this thing into the schedule).

You can say '提前完成日程' (complete the schedule ahead of time) or simply '比日程提前' (ahead of the schedule). The key word for 'ahead of time' is 提前 (tíqián).

You can say '落后于日程' (fall behind the schedule) or '进度滞后' (progress is lagging). If an event is delayed, you say '日程推迟了' (the schedule is delayed).

安排 can be both a verb (to arrange) and a noun (arrangement). 日程 is only a noun (schedule). You can say '日程安排' (schedule arrangement). 安排 is broader and can refer to arranging people or things, while 日程 is strictly about time and events.

Yes, but you should use polite language. Instead of '你的日程是什么？', ask '您最近的日程方便吗？' (Is your recent schedule convenient?) or '您什么时候有空？' (When are you free?). Asking an assistant to '查看老板的日程' (check the boss's schedule) is standard.

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