Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
当时(當時)dāngshí(dang1shi2)
当时 (dāngshí) refers to a specific point in time, often translated as 'then' or 'at that time.' It is commonly used to refer to events or situations that occurred in the past, providing context or background to a narrative. This term can also imply immediacy, suggesting actions taken right away during that time.
Frequency#483DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
The concept of time is significant in Chinese culture, often reflecting on historical events or personal experiences. 当时 can be used to evoke nostalgia, especially in discussions surrounding historical changes in society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clock striking the hour, signaling 'then' when time pauses. The character 当 (dāng) can be seen as a person standing firmly (like a tree) at a specific moment, while 时 (shí) resembles a clock face, emphasizing the importance of that time.
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 当时
Quick Contrast
那时 (nàshí) refers to a specific time in the past but is more general and less immediate than 当时 (dāngshí).
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a clock striking the hour, signaling 'then' when time pauses. The character 当 (dāng) can be seen as a person standing firmly (like a tree) at a specific moment, while 时 (shí) resembles a clock face, emphasizing the importance of that time.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 当时 with other time-related words like 现在 (xiànzài, 'now') or 以后 (yǐhòu, 'after'). It is generally used in informal and formal contexts, but clarity on the temporal reference is crucial. Common collocations include 当时的情况 (dāngshí de qíngkuàng, 'the situation at that time').
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 当时 connects with other time-related vocabulary such as 以前 (yǐqián, 'before') and 现在 (xiànzài, 'now'). Students should focus on using it in storytelling to describe past events clearly.
Cultural Note
The concept of time is significant in Chinese culture, often reflecting on historical events or personal experiences. 当时 can be used to evoke nostalgia, especially in discussions surrounding historical changes in society.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is using 当时 when referring to 'now' or 'later,' as in '当时我在这里' (dāngshí wǒ zài zhèlǐ), which should be '现在我在这里' (xiànzài wǒ zài zhèlǐ). Another error is misusing it with 'at that moment' instead of its intended meaning of 'at that time.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 当时
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 当时 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 当时 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 当时
当时 carries 5 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
In many ways, it was a very modern school for its time.
10
我们当时还在伊顿广场的公使馆。
wǒ mén dāng shí huán zài yī dùn guǎng cháng de gōng shǐ guǎn。
We were still at the legation at Eaton Place.
Cultural Notes for 当时
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of time is significant in Chinese culture, often reflecting on historical events or personal experiences. 当时 can be used to evoke nostalgia, especially in discussions surrounding historical changes in society.
Frequently Asked Questions about 当时
No, 当时 specifically refers to a past point in time, making it inappropriate for future contexts.
While it is common in narratives, it can also be used in everyday conversations to refer back to previous points in time.
Yes, you can use 以往 (yǐwǎng) or 当年 (dāngnián) to refer to past times, but they may have slightly different connotations.
