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March 24, 2026
片刻piànkè(pian4ke4)
片刻 (pian4 ke4) refers to a short period of time or a moment. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to denote brief intervals, often conveying a sense of urgency or the fleeting nature of time.
Frequency#6671DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of time is often viewed as transient and precious, leading to the saying '一瞬间' (in an instant), which emphasizes the importance of seizing moments.
Memory Tip
Imagine a picture (片) that captures a moment (刻) in time. Think of a snapshot that lasts just a 'moment'—the 'pian' sounds like 'pin' which you can use to 'pin' down a fleeting moment in a photo.
Meanings of 片刻
piànkè(pian4ke4)
1short period of time
2a moment
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 片刻
片刻Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
数词shùcínumeral (num.)Part of Speech
#6671Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 片刻
Podcast: 片刻
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AI Study Notes for 片刻
Quick Contrast
瞬间 (shùn jiān) - use 片刻 when emphasizing a brief moment rather than an instantaneous occurrence.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a picture (片) that captures a moment (刻) in time. Think of a snapshot that lasts just a 'moment'—the 'pian' sounds like 'pin' which you can use to 'pin' down a fleeting moment in a photo.
Usage Notes
片刻 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with its tone; ensure you pronounce it correctly to avoid misunderstandings. Common collocations include phrases like '停留片刻' (stay for a moment) or '等待片刻' (wait for a moment).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 片刻 connects with other time-related vocabulary, such as 时刻 (moment in time) and 瞬间 (instant). Students should focus on using it in various contexts to express the passage of time.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of time is often viewed as transient and precious, leading to the saying '一瞬间' (in an instant), which emphasizes the importance of seizing moments.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 片刻 with longer durations like 时刻. For example, saying '我会等你一个片刻' (I will wait for you a moment) is correct, but using it for prolonged waits can lead to misinterpretation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 片刻
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Grammar Patterns of 片刻
片刻 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
____之后，他们身边出现了一只装着香槟的冰桶。
A moment or two later champagne in an ice-bucket materialized beside them.
Example Sentences for 片刻 (8)
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1
片刻之后，他们身边出现了一只装着香槟的冰桶。
piàn kè zhī hòu， ， tā mén shēn biān chū xiàn le yī zhī zhuāng zháo xiāng bīn de bīng。
A moment or two later champagne in an ice-bucket materialized beside them.
2
他只求一杯清茶、片刻小憩。
tā zhī qiú yī bēi qīng chá、 、 piàn kè xiǎo。
All he wanted was a cup of tea and a sit-down.
3
盖尔镇定地注视着哈里，沉默了片刻。
gài ěr zhèn dìng dì zhù shì zháo hā lǐ， ， chén mò le piàn。
Gail was silent for a moment, regarding Harry with his steady gaze.
Mirella approached him and, after a brief hesitation, shook his hand.
6
她冷冷地盯着他看了片刻。
tā lěng lěng dì dīng zháo tā kàn le piàn kè。
She stared stonily at him for a minute.
7
稍等片刻,我就来陪你.
shāo děng piàn kè, , wǒ jiù lái péi.
I'll be with you in half a tick.
8
特林纳感到意外而愣了片刻, 但她随即将心态调整了过来.
tè lín nà gǎn dào yì wài ér lèng le piàn kè, , dàn tā suí jí jiāng xīn tài tiáo zhěng le guò.
For a moment, Triner was surprised. Then her mind shifted gears.
Cultural Notes for 片刻
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of time is often viewed as transient and precious, leading to the saying '一瞬间' (in an instant), which emphasizes the importance of seizing moments.
Frequently Asked Questions about 片刻
Yes, 片刻 is appropriate for both written and spoken contexts.
It can be used in both formal and informal settings, but context matters for tone.
While both refer to short periods, 瞬间 emphasizes a more instantaneous moment, whereas 片刻 implies a brief duration.
