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March 24, 2026
之际(之際)zhījì(zhi1ji4)
The word 之际 (zhī jì) refers to a specific moment or period during an event or situation. It is often used in formal contexts, especially in writing, to indicate a precise time frame when something occurs or is relevant.
Frequency#10878DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, timing is often crucial in communication and decision-making, making phrases like 之际 significant in formal invitations and speeches where the timing of an event is highlighted.
Memory Tip
Think of 之 (zhī) as a bridge connecting two points in time, and 际 (jì) as a horizon where events meet. Imagine standing on a bridge at sunset, marking the exact moment where day meets night, which helps you remember the meaning of 'during' or 'at the time of'.
Meanings of 之际
zhījì(zhi1ji4)
1during
2at the time of
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 之际
之际Simplified
之際Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
方位词direction word (dir.)Part of Speech
#10878Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 之际
Podcast: 之际
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AI Study Notes for 之际
Quick Contrast
时刻 (shíkè) - use 之际 for formal contexts or specific moments within events, while 时刻 is more general for any point in time.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 之 (zhī) as a bridge connecting two points in time, and 际 (jì) as a horizon where events meet. Imagine standing on a bridge at sunset, marking the exact moment where day meets night, which helps you remember the meaning of 'during' or 'at the time of'.
Usage Notes
Use 之际 in formal writing or speeches, as it may sound overly stiff in casual conversation. Common phrases include '在此之际' (at this moment) or '不久之际' (in the near future). Be mindful of the tone; it is always pronounced with the first tone on 之 and the fourth tone on 际.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 之际 is important for expressing the timing of actions and events. Students should focus on its usage in more complex sentence structures, often in conjunction with other temporal expressions to convey nuanced meanings.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, timing is often crucial in communication and decision-making, making phrases like 之际 significant in formal invitations and speeches where the timing of an event is highlighted.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 之际 with 时候; for instance, saying '在工作之际' instead of the more appropriate '在工作的时候' can lead to awkwardness. Ensure you reserve 之际 for formal contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 之际
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Grammar Patterns of 之际
之际 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
时下出现的这些有关玛丽莲·梦露的书和纪录片是借她逝世30周年____推出的。
The present crop of books and documentaries about Marilyn Monroe exploit the thirtieth anniversary of her death.
Example Sentences for 之际 (4)
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1
时下出现的这些有关玛丽莲·梦露的书和纪录片是借她逝世30周年之际推出的。
shí xià chū xiàn de zhè xiē yǒu guān mǎ lì lián· · mèng lòu de shū hé jì lù piàn shì jiè tā shì30 shì 30 zhōu nián zhī jì tuī。
The present crop of books and documentaries about Marilyn Monroe exploit the thirtieth anniversary of her death.
2
现正是春夏交接之际.
xiàn zhèng shì chūn xià jiāo jiē zhī jì.
Now is the time when spring is turning into summer.
There have been reports of youths taking advantage of the general confusion to loot and steal.
Cultural Notes for 之际
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, timing is often crucial in communication and decision-making, making phrases like 之际 significant in formal invitations and speeches where the timing of an event is highlighted.
Frequently Asked Questions about 之际
While it can be used, it's more appropriate for formal contexts; casual speakers might opt for simpler terms.
Not exactly; while both refer to time, 之际 has a more formal tone and specific context compared to 时候, which is more versatile.
You can say, '在毕业之际，我感到非常激动' which means 'At the time of graduation, I feel very excited'.
