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March 24, 2026
时刻(時刻)shíkè(shi2ke4)
时刻 refers to a specific moment or point in time. It is often used to emphasize the importance of a certain time or to denote that something is happening continuously or always, making it suitable for both casual and formal contexts.
Frequency#1224DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being punctual and aware of time is highly valued. The concept of 时刻 resonates with the importance placed on honoring time in social and business contexts, emphasizing the need to be present and attentive.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clock (时) that ticks constantly (刻), reminding you of every important moment in your life. Picture each tick as a keystone moment that defines your experiences, helping you remember how to pronounce it as 'shi ke'.
Meanings of 时刻
shíkè(shi2ke4)
1moment
2constantly
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About 时刻
时刻Simplified
時刻Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#1224Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 时刻
Podcast: 时刻
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AI Study Notes for 时刻
Quick Contrast
时点 (shídiǎn) - use 时刻 for emphasis on importance or continuity, while 时点 refers to a specific point in time without that emphasis.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a clock (时) that ticks constantly (刻), reminding you of every important moment in your life. Picture each tick as a keystone moment that defines your experiences, helping you remember how to pronounce it as 'shi ke'.
Usage Notes
时刻 is typically used in both spoken and written Chinese, but learners may confuse it with moments in a more casual context. It often collocates with words like '注意' (to pay attention) to form phrases like '时刻注意', which means to always be aware.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, students should focus on using 时刻 in various contexts, especially in discussions about time management or important events. Relate it to other time-related words learned at this level, such as '时间' (time) and '点' (point).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being punctual and aware of time is highly valued. The concept of 时刻 resonates with the importance placed on honoring time in social and business contexts, emphasizing the need to be present and attentive.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 时刻 by using it in too casual a context. For example, saying '我在时刻吃饭' (I eat at moments) is incorrect; the correct form is '我在某个时刻吃饭' (I eat at a certain moment).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 时刻
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Grammar Patterns of 时刻
时刻 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.
In Chinese culture, being punctual and aware of time is highly valued. The concept of 时刻 resonates with the importance placed on honoring time in social and business contexts, emphasizing the need to be present and attentive.
Frequently Asked Questions about 时刻
Yes, 时刻 can refer to past moments as well, but it often conveys a sense of importance or significance.
No, it can also be used metaphorically to describe critical moments in life or decisions.
You might say '我时刻准备着' which means 'I am always prepared'.
