Time Adverbs: 按时, 即将, 急忙, 渐渐, 尽快
时间副词：按时、即将、急忙、渐渐、尽快
Express punctuality, imminence, haste, gradual change, and urgency using five time adverbs
Each adverb is placed before the verb to modify when or how the action occurs. 按时 = on time; 即将 = about to (formal); 急忙 = hurriedly; 渐渐 = gradually; 尽快 = as soon as possible.
These five adverbs cover different aspects of time: punctuality (按时), imminence (即将), haste (急忙), gradual progression (渐渐), and urgency (尽快). They range from formal (即将) to everyday (急忙, 渐渐).
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Time Adverbs: 按时, 即将, 急忙, 渐渐, 尽快 (时间副词：按时、即将、急忙、渐渐、尽快)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 时间副词：按时、即将、急忙、渐渐、尽快 pattern
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Understanding 时间副词：按时、即将、急忙、渐渐、尽快
This lesson introduces five time adverbs that expand how you talk about when and how actions happen. 按时 (ànshí) means "on time" or "punctually" — it stresses following a schedule, as in 按时吃药 (take medicine on time). 即将 (jíjiāng) means "about to" or "soon" and is more formal than 快要 — you will see it in news and announcements, like 飞机即将起飞 (the plane is about to take off). 急忙 (jímáng) means "hurriedly" or "in a rush" and describes someone doing something quickly because of urgency. 渐渐 (jiànjiàn) means "gradually" or "little by little" — it describes slow, progressive change, like seasons shifting or feelings developing. 尽快 (jǐnkuài) means "as soon as possible" and expresses urgency without panic. Together, these five adverbs give you precise control over the temporal dimension of your sentences.
Key Points
- 按时 (ànshí) = "on time / punctually" — emphasizes following a schedule or deadline.
- 即将 (jíjiāng) = "about to / soon" — formal, used in announcements and written Chinese.
- 急忙 (jímáng) = "hurriedly / in a rush" — describes hasty action due to urgency.
- 渐渐 (jiànjiàn) = "gradually / little by little" — describes slow, progressive change.
- 尽快 (jǐnkuài) = "as soon as possible / ASAP" — expresses urgency politely.
- 即将 is more formal than 快要 or 马上 and is common in news broadcasts.
- 渐渐 often pairs with 起来: 渐渐暖和起来 (gradually getting warmer).
Punctuality (按时) is highly valued in Chinese professional culture. Being on time for meetings and appointments shows respect. The phrase 按时完成 (complete on time) is a common expectation in workplaces and schools, reflecting the cultural emphasis on diligence and reliability.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
你要按时吃药。
You must take your medicine on time.
同学们即将毕业。
The students are about to graduate.
快上课了，他急忙跑进教室。
Class was about to start, so he hurried into the classroom.
春天来了，天气渐渐暖和起来。
Spring has come — the weather is gradually getting warmer.
你尽快给他回个电话。
Call him back as soon as possible.
请大家按时到达会场。
Please arrive at the venue on time.
他的中文渐渐进步了。
His Chinese has gradually improved.
她急忙穿上外套就出门了。
She hurriedly put on her coat and went out.
Common Mistakes
渐渐 must go before the adjective/verb it modifies: 渐渐暖和, not 暖和渐渐.
即将 means "about to happen" (future), not "hurriedly." For rushing, use 急忙.
Do not stack 按时 and 尽快 — they express different things. 按时 = by the deadline; 尽快 = as early as possible.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of 即将 as the "formal 快要" — use it in writing, speeches, and news contexts.
渐渐 is perfect for describing seasonal changes, personal growth, or any slow process.
Use 尽快 when emailing or texting in professional contexts — it is polite but conveys importance.
Practice 急忙 by narrating a morning when you were late: 我急忙刷牙，急忙穿衣服，急忙出门。
Homework
Write a short story about a student's morning using all five adverbs: 按时 (alarm set on time), 急忙 (rushing when late), 渐渐 (gradually waking up), 即将 (class about to start), 尽快 (teacher says finish homework ASAP).