时候 (shíhou) is a versatile word for 'time' or 'moment' in Chinese.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Indicates a specific moment or period.
- Used in questions about time.
- Flexible and common in daily conversation.
Overview
时候 (shíhou) 是汉语中最基础和常用的词汇之一，表示“时间”、“时候”或“时刻”。它的用法非常灵活，可以单独使用，也可以与其他词语组合，构成各种表示时间的短语或句子。在日常交流中，理解和使用“时候”是掌握汉语的基础。
- 1指代具体时间点：常与数字、星期、月份等连用，如“这个时候 (zhège shíhou)”（这个时候）、“什么时候 (shénme shíhou)”（什么时候）、“上次的时候 (shàngcì de shíhou)”（上次的时候）。
**疑问词**：作为疑问词“什么 (shénme)”的搭配，询问时间，如“你什么时候来？” (Nǐ shénme shíhou lái?) （你什么时候来？）。
- 1连接词：有时可以连接两个分句，表示“在…的时候”，如“我吃饭的时候，他来了。” (Wǒ chīfàn de shíhou, tā lái le.) （我吃饭的时候，他来了。）
**表达状态**：描述在特定时间段内正在做的事情，如“工作的时候”、“看电视的时候”。
- 1时间 (shíjiān)：'时间' 是一个更广泛的词，指物理上的时间流逝，也可以指某个特定的时刻。'时候' 侧重于指一个不确定的或相对特定的“时刻”或“时期'。例如，“时间不早了” (Shíjiān bù zǎo le.) （时间不早了）强调时间本身，而“这个时候不早了” (Zhège shíhou bù zǎo le.) （这个时候不早了）则强调当前的这个时刻。
- 1时刻 (shíkè)：'时刻' 通常指一个非常精确或重要的时间点，强调瞬间性。'时候' 则更具普遍性，可以指一段时间或一个模糊的时刻。例如，“历史的时刻” (Lìshǐ de shíkè) （历史的时刻）比“历史的时候”更常用。
Examples
这个时候下雨了。
everydayIt started raining at this moment.
我学习汉语的时候，感觉很有趣。
informalWhen I study Chinese, I feel it's very interesting.
请问您什么时候方便？
formalMay I ask when would be convenient for you?
在那个时候，科技还没有现在这么发达。
academicAt that time, technology was not as developed as it is now.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
什么时候
when
这个时候
this time
那个时候
that time
小时候
childhood
Often Confused With
'时间' is a broader term for 'time' as a concept or duration, while '时候' often refers to a more specific or indefinite 'moment' or 'period'.
'时刻' usually denotes a precise or significant point in time, emphasizing immediacy, whereas '时候' is more general and can refer to a longer duration.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
1. '时候' is extremely common in spoken Chinese and informal writing. 2. It can follow nouns, pronouns, or verb phrases to indicate a temporal context. 3. Be mindful of the context to distinguish between a specific moment and a period of time.
Common Mistakes
1. Confusing '时候' with '时间' in contexts where one is more appropriate than the other. 2. Incorrectly placing '时候' in sentences, leading to awkward phrasing. 3. Using '时候' when a more specific time word like '点' (diǎn - o'clock) is needed.
Tips
Use 'shíhou' flexibly
Remember 'shíhou' can refer to a specific point or a duration of time. Adapt its usage based on context.
Avoid overusing 'shíhou'
While common, sometimes '时间' (shíjiān) or '点' (diǎn) might be more precise depending on the context.
Importance of time awareness
In Chinese culture, punctuality and awareness of time are valued. Using 'shíhou' correctly shows respect for others' time.
Word Origin
The character '时' (shí) originally referred to the sun and moon's movement, signifying time. '候' (hòu) originally meant to observe or wait, also related to time and seasons. Together, '时候' strongly emphasizes the concept of time and specific moments.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, time is often viewed cyclically and contextually. Understanding '时候' helps in navigating social interactions and expressing respect for schedules and punctuality.
Memory Tip
Think of 'shíhou' as a flexible 'slot' in time, either a quick moment or a longer duration, that you can place events into.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions‘时候’更侧重于指一个不确定的或相对特定的“时刻”或“时期’，而‘时间’则是一个更广泛的概念，指物理上的时间流逝或任何时刻。
‘什么时候’是一个疑问词组，用来询问具体的时间点或日期，相当于英语的 'when'。
‘这个时候’指的是当前这个特定的时刻或时间段，相当于英语的 'this time' 或 'now'.
‘小时候’指的是一个人童年时期的那段不确定的时间，相当于英语的 'when one was young' 或 'childhood'.
Test Yourself
你___来？
“什么时候”是固定搭配，用于询问时间。
我小时候很喜欢看动画片。这里的“小时候”指的是？
“小时候”特指一个人童年时期的那段不确定的时间。
用“工作”、“时候”、“很忙”造句。
“工作的时候”表示在工作这个时间段内，“很忙”描述状态。
Score: /3
Summary
时候 (shíhou) is a versatile word for 'time' or 'moment' in Chinese.
- Indicates a specific moment or period.
- Used in questions about time.
- Flexible and common in daily conversation.
Use 'shíhou' flexibly
Remember 'shíhou' can refer to a specific point or a duration of time. Adapt its usage based on context.
Avoid overusing 'shíhou'
While common, sometimes '时间' (shíjiān) or '点' (diǎn) might be more precise depending on the context.
Importance of time awareness
In Chinese culture, punctuality and awareness of time are valued. Using 'shíhou' correctly shows respect for others' time.
Examples
4 of 4这个时候下雨了。
It started raining at this moment.
我学习汉语的时候，感觉很有趣。
When I study Chinese, I feel it's very interesting.
请问您什么时候方便？
May I ask when would be convenient for you?
在那个时候，科技还没有现在这么发达。
At that time, technology was not as developed as it is now.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
