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B1 adverb #4,000 most common 9 min read

定时

dingshi Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 定时 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 定时 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn about time. You probably know words like '现在' (now), '点' (o'clock), and '时间' (time). '定时' (dìngshí) might seem a bit advanced, but you can understand it as 'at a set time.' Think about your daily routine. Do you eat breakfast at 8:00 AM every day? That is '定时' (fixed time). In simple sentences, you can use it to talk about basic habits. For example, '我定时吃饭' (I eat at set times). At this level, don't worry about the technical meanings. Just think of it as a way to say you do something at the same time every day. It helps you talk about being organized. You might see this word on a simple digital clock or a microwave oven in China. It's a useful word to recognize even if you don't use it in every sentence yet. Focus on the two characters: '定' means 'fixed' and '时' means 'time.' Together they are easy to remember!

At the A2 level, you can describe your daily life and habits in more detail. '定时' (dìngshí) becomes very useful here. You can use it to explain your schedule to others. For example, you can say '我每天定时运动' (I exercise at a fixed time every day). You will also start to see this word in 'how-to' contexts. If you are reading instructions for a simple appliance, you might see '定时开关' (timed switch). At this level, you should try to distinguish '定时' from '准时' (on time). Remember: '定时' is about the schedule you have made for yourself or a machine, while '准时' is about not being late for a meeting with someone else. You can also start using it with simple health-related verbs like '吃药' (take medicine) or '休息' (rest). Using '定时' makes your Chinese sound more structured and shows that you can talk about planned activities rather than just random events.

As a B1 learner, you are expected to handle more complex topics like health, technology, and work routines. '定时' (dìngshí) is a key word for this level. You should be able to use it as an adverb to modify a wide range of verbs. For instance, '定时备份数据' (regularly back up data) or '定时检查身体' (regularly check the body). You will notice that '定时' often implies a sense of discipline or automation. In discussions about technology, you'll encounter '定时功能' (timer function) in almost every smart device. You should also be comfortable with the compound phrase '定时定量' (at fixed times and in fixed amounts), which is very common in health and pet care contexts. At B1, you are moving beyond just 'doing things' to 'how' and 'when' you do them with precision. Understanding '定时' allows you to discuss efficiency and management, which are important themes in intermediate Chinese conversation and writing.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '定时' (dìngshí) and be able to use it in professional and academic contexts. You'll see it used in scientific reports to describe controlled experiments, such as '定时观察' (timed observation). You should also be aware of its use in social commentary, such as discussing the '定时炸弹' (time bomb) of social issues like an aging population or environmental debt. At this level, you can distinguish '定时' from more formal synonyms like '恒定' (constant) or '周期性' (periodic). You should be able to write detailed instructions or reports using '定时' to describe automated processes. For example, in a business proposal, you might write about '定时向客户发送反馈问卷' (regularly sending feedback questionnaires to customers). Your usage should reflect an understanding that '定时' is not just about a clock, but about a system of organization and predictability that is essential for modern operations.

At the C1 level, your use of '定时' (dìngshí) should be effortless and contextually precise. You will encounter this word in high-level literature, technical manuals, and philosophical discussions about time and habit. You should understand how '定时' contributes to the rhythm of a narrative or the logic of a legal document. For instance, in a contract, '定时履行义务' (performing obligations at fixed times) has specific legal implications. You should also be able to use '定时' in metaphorical ways, discussing the '定时' nature of biological cycles or the '定时' mechanics of historical cycles. At this stage, you should also be familiar with classical or formal variations that might replace '定时' in specific genres, though '定时' remains the standard for most modern professional communication. Your ability to use it in complex sentence structures, such as '在...的定时作用下' (under the timed effect of...), demonstrates a high level of linguistic control and sophistication.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '定时' (dìngshí). You understand its most subtle connotations, including its use in highly specialized fields like computer science (interrupt timers, cron jobs), medicine (chronotherapy), and abstract philosophy. You can discuss the etymological roots of the characters and how the concept of 'fixed time' has evolved in Chinese culture from the use of incense clocks to modern atomic time. You are capable of using '定时' in creative writing to set a particular mood of rigidity or mechanical soullessness. You can also critique the use of the word in various translations, ensuring that the 'fixed' vs. 'periodical' distinction is perfectly maintained. At this level, '定时' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool you use with precision to describe the intricate synchronization of systems, whether they are technological, biological, or societal.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

定时 in 30 Seconds

定时 (dìngshí) means 'at a fixed time' or 'regularly scheduled.' It is used for habits, timers, and maintenance tasks.
Commonly used in medical advice (take medicine at fixed times) and technology (set a timer for an appliance).
Grammatically, it usually precedes the verb it modifies, such as '定时检查' (check regularly).
Do not confuse it with '准时' (on time/punctual), which is about meeting a specific deadline.

The Chinese word 定时 (dìngshí) is a fundamental term that bridges the gap between simple daily routines and complex technical operations. At its core, it functions as both an adverb and a noun/adjective, signifying something that occurs at a 'fixed time' or 'regular intervals.' For an English speaker, it translates most naturally to 'regularly,' 'at a set time,' or 'timed.' Understanding this word is crucial for navigating modern life in China, from setting a rice cooker to following a medical prescription.

The Character '定' (dìng): This character represents stability, fixation, or deciding. In the context of time, it means to 'set' or 'fix' a specific point or duration that does not fluctuate.
The Character '时' (shí): Representing time, hours, or seasons, this character provides the temporal dimension. Together, they form the concept of 'fixed time.'

In everyday conversation, you will hear 定时 used when discussing health habits. Doctors frequently advise patients to eat and sleep at fixed times to maintain the 'body clock.' In a technological context, it is the go-to word for any 'timer' function. Whether you are setting your phone to turn off at night or programming a sprinkler system, you are performing a 定时 action.

医生建议我们要定时吃饭，保持健康。(The doctor suggests we should eat at fixed times to maintain health.)

Beyond simple scheduling, 定时 appears in more specialized terms. For instance, a 'time bomb' is known as a 定时炸弹 (dìngshí zhàdàn), where the explosion is set for a specific moment. Similarly, in software development, a 'scheduled task' is often referred to as a 定时任务 (定时任务). This versatility makes it an essential word for B1 learners who are moving beyond basic survival Chinese into more descriptive and technical language.

这个闹钟可以定时开启收音机。(This alarm clock can be set to turn on the radio at a fixed time.)

Daily Routine: Used for meals, exercise, and sleep cycles (定时作息).
Electronics: Used for timers, scheduled shutdowns, and automated tasks (定时开关).

In summary, 定时 is about discipline and automation. It removes the randomness from an action, ensuring that whether by human habit or mechanical programming, an event occurs exactly when it is supposed to. As you progress in Chinese, you will see it paired with verbs like 检查 (check), 清理 (clean), and 开启 (open/start), creating a sense of orderly progression in both life and logic.

Using 定时 (dìngshí) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. While primarily categorized as an adverb, it often functions as an attributive (modifying a noun) or as part of a compound verb structure. The most common structure is 定时 + Verb, which describes doing an action at a fixed time or interval.

Adverbial Usage: When placed before a verb, it indicates the frequency or the specific timing of the action. Example: '定时检查身体' (Regularly check the body).

为了安全，公司要求员工定时更换密码。(For security, the company requires employees to change passwords at fixed intervals.)

Another frequent usage is as an adjective modifying a noun, often connected by '的' (de), though '的' is frequently omitted in common technical terms. For example, 定时开关 (timed switch) or 定时闹钟 (timed alarm). In these cases, 定时 describes the nature of the object—that it is governed by a timer.

Attributive Usage: Modifying a noun to show it has a timing function. Example: '定时装置' (Timing device).

这台洗衣机有定时功能，非常方便。(This washing machine has a timer function, which is very convenient.)

In more formal or technical writing, 定时 can be used to describe biological or mechanical rhythms. You might encounter the phrase 定时定量 (dìngshí dìngliàng), which means 'at fixed times and in fixed amounts.' This is the gold standard for healthy eating or industrial feeding systems for livestock.

养宠物需要定时定量喂食。(Raising pets requires feeding them at fixed times and in fixed amounts.)

Common Collocations: 定时关机 (Timed shutdown), 定时发送 (Timed send/Schedule send), 定时维护 (Regular maintenance).

When using 定时, remember that it implies a plan. It is not an accidental occurrence. It is the result of a decision (定) regarding time (时). Therefore, it is rarely used for natural phenomena like rain (unless discussing artificial rain cycles in a sci-fi context!) but is ubiquitous in the world of human organization and technology.

In modern China, 定时 (dìngshí) is a word you will encounter daily, often in the most mundane yet essential contexts. From the voice of your smart home assistant to the instructions on a bottle of vitamins, it is the language of efficiency and health management.

The Smart Home Era: If you use apps like Mi Home (米家) or Meituan, you will see '定时' everywhere. Setting your air conditioner to turn off in two hours? That's a '定时关机' setting. Scheduling a grocery delivery? You are choosing a '定时配送' (fixed-time delivery).

小爱同学，帮我定时三十分钟后关灯。(Xiao Ai, help me set a timer to turn off the lights in 30 minutes.)

In the workplace, 定时 is the language of maintenance and reporting. IT departments will send emails about 定时维护 (scheduled maintenance) of the company servers. HR might remind you to 定时参加 (regularly attend) weekly meetings. It conveys a sense of professional order and predictability.

The medical and wellness industry is perhaps where 定时 carries the most weight. Chinese culture places high value on '养生' (yǎngshēng - health preservation), and a core tenet of this is 定时作息 (regular work and rest). You will hear fitness influencers and elders alike stressing the importance of 定时 meals and 定时 exercise to maintain the body's 'Qi' and balance.

这种药需要每天定时服用三次。(This medicine needs to be taken at fixed times three times a day.)

Public Announcements: In subway stations or parks, you might hear announcements about '定时消毒' (regular disinfection), especially since the pandemic, reinforcing the idea of a controlled, safe environment.

Whether you are looking at the settings on your microwave, reading a maintenance schedule in an elevator, or listening to a health podcast, 定时 is the word that tells you: 'This happens according to a plan, not by chance.' It is the heartbeat of a scheduled, organized society.

While 定时 (定时) seems straightforward, learners often confuse it with other time-related words like 准时 (zhǔnshí) and 定期 (dìngqī). Understanding these nuances is what separates a B1 learner from a truly fluent speaker.

Mistake 1: Confusing '定时' with '准时': Learners often say '我定时到了' to mean 'I arrived on time.' This is incorrect. '定时' refers to a pre-set schedule or interval, while '准时' means 'punctual' or 'on time' for a specific appointment.

❌ 我定时参加了会议。
✅ 我准时参加了会议。(I attended the meeting on time.)

The second most common error involves 定期 (dìngqī). While both involve regularity, '定期' specifically means 'periodical' or 'at regular intervals' (like weekly or monthly), whereas '定时' focuses more on the 'fixed time' of day or a 'timed' duration. You '定期' (periodically) go for a check-up, but you '定时' (at a fixed time) take your medicine every morning.

Mistake 2: Using '定时' for 'Periodical' events: If you want to say 'I go to the gym regularly (every few days),' '定期' is usually better. If you want to say 'I go to the gym at 8 AM every day,' '定时' is appropriate.

Another subtle mistake is the placement of 定时. As an adverb, it should generally precede the verb. Some learners try to place it at the end of the sentence like the English 'regularly,' but this feels unnatural in Chinese. It should function as a modifier for the action that follows.

❌ 他吃饭定时。
✅ 他定时吃饭。(He eats at fixed times.)

Mistake 3: Overusing '定时' for 'Always': '定时' implies a specific setting or schedule. If someone just 'always' does something out of habit without a strict time, use '总是' (zǒngshì) or '经常' (jīngcháng).

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the '定时' vs. '准时' vs. '定期' trio—you will avoid the most common pitfalls and sound much more like a native speaker who understands the precise mechanics of time in Mandarin.

To truly master 定时 (dìngshí), you must see how it sits within a family of related terms. Chinese has many ways to express 'regularity' and 'timing,' each with its own specific flavor and context.

1. 定期 (dìngqī): Focuses on the interval or period (week, month, year). Use this for 'periodic' events like magazine subscriptions (定期刊物) or regular bank deposits (定期存款).
2. 准时 (zhǔnshí): Focuses on punctuality. Use this when you want to emphasize not being late. 'Please arrive on time' (请准时到达).
3. 按时 (ànshí): Means 'according to the schedule.' It is very similar to '定时' but often used as a command or expectation to follow a pre-arranged time. 'Take medicine according to the schedule' (按时吃药).

Comparison:
- 定时检查: Check at a set time (e.g., every day at 9 AM).
- 定期检查: Check periodically (e.g., once every six months).
- 按时检查: Check on schedule (following the doctor's plan).

In formal settings, you might encounter 固定 (gùdìng). While '固定' means 'fixed' or 'permanent' in a general sense (like a 'fixed address' - 固定地址), it can sometimes overlap with time when describing a 'fixed schedule' (固定时间). However, '定时' is more active—it implies the act of setting that time.

For very informal situations, people might just use 到点儿 (dào diǎnr), which literally means 'arriving at the point (of time).' For example, '到点儿了，该吃饭了' (It's time, we should eat). This lacks the 'fixed/planned' nuance of 定时 but is very common in spoken Beijing dialect and northern China.

Register Differences: '定时' is neutral to formal. '准时' is neutral. '到点儿' is informal. '定期' is formal/technical.

By understanding these alternatives, you can choose the word that fits the precise 'shape' of the time you are describing. Use 定时 when there's a timer involved or a strict daily habit; use 定期 for the long-term rhythm; and use 准时 to show you are a person of your word who won't be late.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Before mechanical clocks, '定时' in China was often managed by 'incense clocks' (香钟), where incense sticks were notched or marked to burn for specific 'fixed times.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dɪŋ ʃiː/

US /dɪŋ ʃi/

The primary stress is on the first syllable 'dìng', which has a sharp falling tone (4th tone).

Rhymes With

平时 (píngshí) 此时 (cǐshí) 准时 (zhǔnshí) 何时 (héshí) 有时 (yǒushí) 即时 (jíshí) 临时 (línshí) 历时 (lìshí)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shi' as 'see'. It should be a retroflex sound with the tongue curled back.
Mixing up the tones: pronouncing it as 'dīngshí' (1st tone) instead of 'dìngshí' (4th tone).
Failing to rise on the 'shí' (2nd tone), making it sound like 'dìngshì' (4th tone, which means 'definite').
Over-emphasizing the 'g' in 'ding'. It is a nasal ending, not a hard 'g'.
Shortening the 'i' sound in 'shi' too much.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Characters are relatively common but requires distinguishing from other '定' words.

Writing 4/5

Writing '定' and '时' is standard for intermediate learners.

Speaking 3/5

Tones (4th and 2nd) are distinct and important for clarity.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in context due to its rhythmic sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

时间 (Time) 现在 (Now) 点 (O'clock) 决定 (Decide) 经常 (Often)

Learn Next

定期 (Periodical) 准时 (Punctual) 按时 (On schedule) 机制 (Mechanism) 效率 (Efficiency)

Advanced

恒定 (Constant) 周期 (Cycle) 频率 (Frequency) 同步 (Synchronize) 触发 (Trigger)

Grammar to Know

Adverbial placement in Chinese

Adverbs like 定时 usually come before the verb: [Subject] + 定时 + [Verb].

Using '的' with abstract modifiers

定时(的)功能 - The 'de' is optional in established technical terms.

Duration vs. Point in time

定时 focuses on the *point* or *interval*, not the *duration* (which uses '...多久').

Negation of 定时

Use '不定时' (bù dìngshí) to mean 'at irregular times.'

Resultative complements with timing

定时定在八点 (Set the fixed time at eight o'clock).

Examples by Level

我定时吃饭。

I eat at fixed times.

Simple Subject + Adverb + Verb structure.

他定时睡觉。

He goes to sleep at a fixed time.

定时 (dìngshí) acts as an adverb modifying 睡觉 (shuìjiào).

闹钟定时六点。

The alarm is set for six o'clock.

Here 定时 functions almost like a verb 'to set a time'.

我们定时去学校。

We go to school at a set time.

定时 describes the regularity of the action.

猫定时吃东西。

The cat eats at fixed times.

Used for animal habits as well.

电风扇有定时功能。

The electric fan has a timer function.

定时 (dìngshí) as an adjective for 'function'.

爸爸定时看报纸。

Dad reads the newspaper at a fixed time.

Describes a daily routine.

定时喝水对身体好。

Drinking water at fixed times is good for the body.

定时 modifies the gerund-like phrase 'drinking water'.

你每天定时运动吗？

Do you exercise at a fixed time every day?

Interrogative sentence using 定时.

我习惯定时打扫房间。

I am used to cleaning the room at a fixed time.

习惯 (habit) often pairs with 定时.

这台微波炉可以定时五分钟。

This microwave can be timed for five minutes.

定时 used in a technical context.

医生让我定时吃药。

The doctor told me to take medicine at fixed times.

Standard medical instruction.

我们要定时检查牙齿。

We need to check our teeth regularly.

定时 used for preventative care.

空调可以定时关机。

The air conditioner can be set to turn off at a fixed time.

定时关机 is a common technical term.

植物需要定时浇水。

Plants need to be watered at fixed intervals.

Essential for discussing care and maintenance.

他定时给家里写信。

He writes home at regular intervals.

定时 describes a recurring social obligation.

我们需要定时定量地喂宠物。

We need to feed pets at fixed times and in fixed amounts.

The phrase 定时定量 is a common B1 collocation.

定时更换密码可以提高安全性。

Changing passwords at fixed intervals can improve security.

Abstract usage related to technology and security.

这个软件会定时自动更新。

This software will automatically update at fixed times.

定时 combined with 自动 (automatic).

长期定时作息对心理健康很有帮助。

Long-term regular work and rest is very helpful for mental health.

定时作息 is a key term for lifestyle discussions.

为了防止火灾，要定时检查电路。

To prevent fires, the electrical circuits must be checked at fixed intervals.

Purpose clause followed by a 定时 action.

这种定时炸弹很难被拆除。

This time bomb is very difficult to defuse.

定时炸弹 is a specific compound noun.

他在网上设置了定时发布的博客。

He set up a blog post to be published at a fixed time online.

定时发布 is common in the digital age.

老师要求我们定时提交作业。

The teacher requires us to submit homework at fixed times.

Requirement context.

这种工业设备需要定时维护以确保运行稳定。

This industrial equipment needs regular maintenance to ensure stable operation.

Formal industrial context.

生物钟是人体内部的一种定时机制。

The biological clock is a kind of timing mechanism inside the human body.

Scientific/Biological explanation.

投资者应该定时回顾自己的投资组合。

Investors should regularly review their investment portfolios.

Financial advice context.

由于缺乏定时检查，机器发生了故障。

Due to a lack of regular checks, the machine broke down.

Cause and effect using 定时.

该系统支持定时备份和远程恢复。

The system supports scheduled backups and remote recovery.

Technical specification language.

定时观察实验数据是科学研究的基础。

Observing experimental data at fixed times is the foundation of scientific research.

Academic research context.

这种管理模式强调定时反馈的重要性。

This management model emphasizes the importance of regular feedback.

Corporate management terminology.

如果不能定时供货，合同将被终止。

If goods cannot be supplied at fixed times, the contract will be terminated.

Conditional clause in a legal/business context.

在一个日益混乱的世界里，定时作息成了某种心理慰藉。

In an increasingly chaotic world, a regular schedule has become a kind of psychological solace.

Philosophical/Reflective tone.

该算法通过定时触发器来优化资源分配。

The algorithm optimizes resource allocation through timed triggers.

Advanced computer science terminology.

历史似乎有着某种定时回归的规律，令人深思。

History seems to have a certain pattern of regular recurrence, which is thought-provoking.

Metaphorical and historical usage.

定时清理冗余文件是保持系统流畅的关键。

Regularly cleaning up redundant files is key to maintaining system fluidity.

Precise technical advice.

法律规定，相关部门必须定时向公众公示财务状况。

The law stipulates that relevant departments must regularly disclose their financial status to the public.

Legal and administrative requirement.

这种化学反应需要在定时搅拌的条件下进行。

This chemical reaction needs to be carried out under the condition of timed stirring.

Precise scientific procedure.

定时喂养不仅是生理需求，更是对宠物心理安全感的构建。

Timed feeding is not just a physiological need, but also the construction of a pet's psychological sense of security.

Deepening the concept with psychological analysis.

在精密机械中，每一个定时齿轮的咬合都至关重要。

In precision machinery, the engagement of every timing gear is crucial.

Highly technical/Mechanical description.

人类社会对定时的痴迷，本质上是对时间流逝的恐惧与掌控欲。

Human society's obsession with fixed timing is, in essence, a fear of and a desire to control the passage of time.

High-level philosophical critique.

在宏观经济调控中，定时释放流动性是维持市场稳定的重要手段。

In macroeconomic regulation, the timed release of liquidity is an important means of maintaining market stability.

Sophisticated economic analysis.

这种艺术形式通过定时律动，在观众心中引发了强烈的共鸣。

This art form triggers a strong resonance in the audience's heart through timed rhythms.

Aesthetic and artistic criticism.

若无定时之锚，现代工业文明的复杂协作将瞬间崩塌。

Without the anchor of fixed timing, the complex collaboration of modern industrial civilization would collapse instantly.

Metaphorical use of 'anchor of timing'.

这种慢性病的治疗，极大地依赖于药物在体内的定时释放技术。

The treatment of this chronic disease relies heavily on timed-release technology for drugs in the body.

Advanced medical/pharmaceutical description.

定时不仅是对行为的约束，更是对混沌状态的一种文明化重塑。

Fixed timing is not only a constraint on behavior but also a civilized reshaping of the state of chaos.

Sociological and abstract conceptualization.

在分布式计算中，定时同步机制是确保数据一致性的基石。

In distributed computing, the timed synchronization mechanism is the cornerstone of ensuring data consistency.

Expert-level IT infrastructure terminology.

他那定时般的精准作息，仿佛是一场对无序生命的无声抗议。

His timer-like precise routine seemed like a silent protest against a disorderly life.

Literary character analysis.

Common Collocations

定时检查

定时关机

定时炸弹

定时作息

定时定量

定时维护

定时发送

定时清理

定时器

定时开关

Common Phrases

定时服用

— To take (medicine) at fixed times. Essential for medical contexts.

请按照医嘱定时服用。

定时提醒

— A scheduled reminder. Used for phone apps and personal assistants.

我设了一个定时提醒。

定时供货

— To supply goods at fixed times. Common in business and logistics.

合同要求定时供货。

定时巡逻

— To patrol at fixed times. Used in security and law enforcement.

保安会定时巡逻。

定时备份

— Scheduled backup. Vital for data management and IT.

一定要定时备份重要文件。

定时更新

— Scheduled update. Used for software or content channels.

该频道每周定时更新。

定时浇水

— Regular watering. Common in gardening and agriculture.

花儿需要定时浇水。

定时收费

— Charging at fixed intervals. Used in utilities or subscriptions.

该服务是定时收费的。

定时发布

— Scheduled publication. Used for social media and blogs.

这篇文章是定时发布的。

定时启动

— Scheduled startup. Used for machinery or computer programs.

程序将在明天定时启动。

Often Confused With

定时 vs 准时

Focuses on being punctual for a specific appointment, not a recurring schedule.

定时 vs 定期

Refers to longer periods (weeks/months) rather than specific clock times.

定时 vs 按时

Emphasizes following an existing schedule or command.

Idioms & Expressions

"定时炸弹"

— Literally a time bomb; metaphorically a hidden danger that will explode/fail at a certain time.

这种债务问题是一个定时炸弹。

Informal/Media

"定时定量"

— At fixed times and in fixed amounts. Often treated as a four-character idiom for discipline.

生活规律，定时定量。

Formal/Health

"循规定时"

— To follow rules and fixed times. Less common but used to describe a very rigid person.

他过着循规定时的生活。

Literary

"按时定时"

— Doing things on schedule and at fixed times. Emphasizes double discipline.

我们要按时定时完成任务。

Formal

"天时地利"

— Right time and right place. While not using 定时, it is the conceptual neighbor.

这真是天时地利人和。

Common Idiom

"分秒必争"

— Every second counts. Related to the precision of timing.

在考试中，我们要分秒必争。

Common Idiom

"光阴荏苒"

— Time flies. Used when discussing the passage of time over fixed periods.

光阴荏苒，转眼十年。

Literary

"日出而作"

— Work at sunrise. The original 'fixed time' for humans.

农民们日出而作，日入而息。

Classical

"十年如一日"

— Ten years as one day. Describes long-term regularity.

他十年如一日地坚持定时锻炼。

Formal

"废寝忘食"

— To forget to eat and sleep. The opposite of having a '定时' routine.

他为了研究，简直到了废寝忘食的地步。

Common Idiom

Easily Confused

定时 vs 准时

Both translate to 'time' related concepts in English.

准时 is 'on time' (punctual). 定时 is 'at a fixed time' (set/scheduled).

我准时到了，因为我定时出发。

定时 vs 定期

Both imply regularity.

定期 is 'periodic' (calendar-based). 定时 is 'timed' (clock-based).

定期体检 (every year), 定时吃药 (every morning).

定时 vs 固定

Both mean 'fixed'.

固定 describes a state (fixed position/price). 定时 describes a timed action.

固定电话 vs 定时炸弹.

定时 vs 及时

Both involve time management.

及时 means 'timely' or 'without delay.' 定时 means 'at a pre-set time.'

及时发现问题 vs 定时检查问题.

定时 vs 即时

Similar sounds.

即时 means 'instant' or 'real-time.' 定时 means 'scheduled.'

即时通讯 (Instant messaging) vs 定时发布 (Scheduled post).

Sentence Patterns

我定时 + [Verb]。

我定时吃饭。

[Noun] 可以定时 + [Verb]。

空调可以定时关机。

养成定时 + [Verb] 的习惯。

养成定时运动的习惯。

定时 + [Verb] + [Noun]。

定时备份文件。

为了...，必须定时...。

为了安全，必须定时检查。

定时定量地 + [Verb]。

定时定量地喂鱼。

基于定时...的机制。

基于定时更新的机制。

定时不仅是...，更是...。

定时不仅是约束，更是文明。

Word Family

Nouns

定时器 (dìngshíqì) - Timer

定时装置 (dìngshí zhuāngzhì) - Timing device

时间 (shíjiān) - Time

Verbs

制定 (zhìdìng) - To formulate/set

确定 (quèdìng) - To confirm/fix

计时 (jìshí) - To keep time

Adjectives

定时的 (dìngshí de) - Timed/Scheduled

固定的 (gùdìng de) - Fixed

定期 (dìngqī)

时钟 (shízhōng)

闹钟 (nàozhōng)

计划 (jìhuà)

安排 (ānpái)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in modern urban environments and digital contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 定时 for punctuality. → 准时 (zhǔnshí)
You can't say 'He arrived 定时'. You must say 'He arrived 准时'.
Confusing 定时 with 定期 for monthly tasks. → 定期 (dìngqī)
Monthly tasks are 'periodic' (定期), not 'timed' (定时).
Putting 定时 at the end of the sentence. → 定时 + Verb
In Chinese, adverbs of manner/time usually precede the verb.
Using 定时 for 'all the time'. → 总是 (zǒngshì)
定时 means at *specific* times, not *every* moment.
Mispronouncing the tones as dīngshì. → dìngshí
The 4th and 2nd tones are crucial for the word's identity.

Tips

Placement

Always place '定时' before the verb. It's '定时运动', not '运动定时'.

Tech Talk

When looking at appliance settings, '定时' is the standard word for 'Timer'.

Medical Accuracy

When a doctor says '定时', they mean strict adherence to the clock. Don't be late with those pills!

The 'Ding' Mnemonic

Remember the 'Ding' of a timer to remember 'Dìng' in '定时'.

Health Preservation

In China, '定时作息' is considered a virtue and a key to long life.

Compound Power

Learn '定时定量' as a single unit; it's a very high-level way to describe discipline.

Formal Reports

In business writing, use '定时' to show that your processes are automated and reliable.

Retroflex 'Shi'

Make sure to curl your tongue for 'shí'. If it sounds like 'si', people might not understand.

定时 vs 定期

Clock vs Calendar. 定时 = Clock. 定期 = Calendar.

Metaphorical Bomb

Use '定时炸弹' to describe a risky situation in a meeting to sound more native.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'DInG' (dìng) sound from a microwave when the 'SHI' (time) is up. Dìng-shí is the sound of a fixed time being reached!

Visual Association

Imagine a heavy anchor (定) falling onto a clock face (时), stopping the hands at a specific point.

Word Web

定时器定时炸弹定时开关定时作息准时按时定期时间

Challenge

Try to describe your morning routine using '定时' for three different actions (e.g., waking up, drinking coffee, leaving for work).

Word Origin

The term '定时' is composed of two ancient Chinese characters. '定' (dìng) originally depicted a foot under a roof, symbolizing arriving at a place and staying there—hence, to fix or settle. '时' (shí) originally combined 'sun' (日) and 'foot/movement' (寺 as phonetic), representing the movement of the sun and the passage of time.

Original meaning: To fix a specific point in time or a duration.

Sino-Tibetan / Sinitic

Cultural Context

No major sensitivities, but when discussing '定时炸弹', be aware of the context to avoid sounding threatening.

In the West, 'regularly' is often more flexible. In Chinese, '定时' implies a stricter, almost mechanical adherence to a clock.

Traditional Chinese Medicine meridian charts (子午流注图). The '定时炸弹' (Time Bomb) trope in Hong Kong action cinema. Smart home marketing by companies like Xiaomi (米家).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Healthcare

定时吃药
定时体检
定时作息
定时定量

Technology

定时关机
定时备份
定时更新
设置定时器

Daily Life

定时吃饭
定时运动
定时打扫
定时提醒

Work/Business

定时汇报
定时维护
定时供货
定时检查

Gardening/Pets

定时浇水
定时喂食
定时遛狗
定时清理

Conversation Starters

"你每天都会定时运动吗？ (Do you exercise at a fixed time every day?)"

"你习惯给手机设置定时关机吗？ (Are you used to setting a timed shutdown for your phone?)"

"为了健康，你觉得定时吃饭重要吗？ (For health, do you think eating at fixed times is important?)"

"你的工作需要定时向老板汇报吗？ (Does your work require regular reporting to the boss?)"

"如果你养宠物，你会定时定量喂它吗？ (If you have a pet, would you feed it at fixed times and amounts?)"

Journal Prompts

描述你一天的定时作息安排。 (Describe your daily scheduled routine.)

谈谈定时检查电子设备的重要性。 (Talk about the importance of regularly checking electronic devices.)

如果你可以给你的生活设置一个定时器，你会怎么做？ (If you could set a timer for your life, how would you do it?)

讨论‘定时炸弹’这个比喻在社会问题中的应用。 (Discuss the application of the 'time bomb' metaphor in social issues.)

记录一次你因为没有定时完成任务而遇到的麻烦。 (Record a time you encountered trouble because you didn't complete a task at the fixed time.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 准时 (zhǔnshí). 定时 is for schedules and timers, not punctuality in arrival.

定时 is usually for daily clock times (like 8 AM). 定期 is for longer intervals like weekly or monthly.

It can be both. As an adverb: 定时吃饭. As a noun/adjective: 定时功能 (timer function).

You can say '设置定时' (shèzhì dìngshí) or '定个时' (dìng ge shí).

No, it is a very common metaphor for any hidden problem that will cause trouble later.

No, '总是' (zǒngshì) is better for 'always.' 定时 implies a specific, planned time.

It means 'at fixed times and in fixed amounts,' usually referring to eating or feeding pets.

It is neutral. You can use it in casual conversation and in formal technical documents.

It is called '定时发布' (dìngshí fābù).

Often, yes. It usually refers to a recurring schedule, though it can also refer to a one-time timer (like a microwave).