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March 24, 2026
时候(時候)shíhou(shi2hou5)
时候 (shíhòu) refers to a specific point in time or a duration of time. It is commonly used in everyday conversations to discuss schedules, events, or periods, making it an essential word for expressing timing in Mandarin.
Frequency#82DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of time is often tied to events and traditions, such as festivals and family gatherings. The word 时候 is frequently used when discussing these important moments in the Chinese calendar.
Memory Tip
Think of 时候 as representing a 'moment' in time. The character '时' (shí) looks like a clock face, indicating time, while '候' (hòu) can be imagined as a waiting figure—someone waiting for the right moment. Together, they signify a specific time when something happens.
Meanings of 时候
shíhou(shi2hou5)
1time
2length of time
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About 时候
时候Simplified
時候Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#82Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L1HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 时候
Podcast: 时候
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AI Study Notes for 时候
Quick Contrast
时间 (shíjiān) refers to time as a concept or measurement, while 时候 (shíhòu) indicates a specific point or period within that time.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 时候 as representing a 'moment' in time. The character '时' (shí) looks like a clock face, indicating time, while '候' (hòu) can be imagined as a waiting figure—someone waiting for the right moment. Together, they signify a specific time when something happens.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 时候 with similar words like 时间 (shíjiān), which means 'time' in a broader sense. In informal contexts, you can use 时候 to ask about schedules, but in formal writing, opt for more precise time expressions. Pay attention to the tone; saying it incorrectly may lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, 时候 is a foundational term that learners encounter early. Focus on using it in sentences to ask about or indicate times, and practice combining it with other time-related words like '今天' (jīntiān, today) or '明天' (míngtiān, tomorrow).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of time is often tied to events and traditions, such as festivals and family gatherings. The word 时候 is frequently used when discussing these important moments in the Chinese calendar.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 时候 when asking about time, saying '你时间什么时候?' instead of '你什么时候?'. Remember, 时候 is the correct term for asking when something happens.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 时候
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Grammar Patterns of 时候
时候 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
wǒ jù jué jiē shòu bāng zhù de shí hòu shí cháng xiǎn dé cū lǔ wú lǐ。
I was often rude and ungracious in refusing help.
3
今晚我做完的时候刚过7点。
jīn wǎn wǒ zuò wán de shí hòu gāng guò7 7。
It was just gone 7 o'clock this evening when I finished.
4
兰德尔这个时候应该正在拿周日的报纸。
lán dé ěr zhè gè shí hòu yīng gāi zhèng zài ná zhōu rì de bào zhǐ。
Randall would just now be getting the Sunday paper.
5
这部影片的票房收入开始的时候持续上涨，但是后来急剧下降。
zhè bù yǐng piàn de piào fáng shōu rù kāi shǐ de shí hòu chí xù shàng zhǎng， ， dàn shì hòu lái jí jù xià。
The film opened to healthy box office receipts before rapidly falling off.
6
埋头工作的时候，你是否忽视了自己的婚姻？
mái tóu gōng zuò de shí hòu， ， nǐ shì fǒu hū shì le zì jǐ de hūn？
While slogging at work, have you neglected your marriage?
7
你真该看看他谈到家的时候眼睛放光的模样。
nǐ zhēn gāi kàn kàn tā tán dào jiā de shí hòu yǎn jīng fàng guāng de mó yàng。
You should see his eyes light up when he talks about home.
8
他们在室外的时候，你不担心吗？
tā mén zài shì wài de shí hòu， ， nǐ bù dān xīn？
Don't you worry about them when they're out of doors?
9
无论你什么时候需要，都可以自由穿过我们的领地。
wú lùn nǐ shí mó shí hòu xū yào， ， dū kě yǐ zì yóu chuān guò wǒ mén de lǐng。
You may have free passage across our territory whenever you require it.
10
你上次和他调情或挑逗他是什么时候？
nǐ shàng cì hé tā tiáo qíng huò tiāo dòu tā shì shí mó shí hòu？
When did you last flirt with him or tease him?
Cultural Notes for 时候
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of time is often tied to events and traditions, such as festivals and family gatherings. The word 时候 is frequently used when discussing these important moments in the Chinese calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions about 时候
You can say '你什么时候来?' (Nǐ shénme shíhòu lái?), which means 'When are you coming?'. This shows how 时候 can be used to inquire about someone's schedule.
While 时候 is versatile, in formal contexts, it's better to use more specific expressions of time, such as '时间' (shíjiān) for 'time'.
Yes, 时候 can refer to any moment in the past, present, or future, depending on the context of the conversation.
