How to say “when” in Chinese with 的时候 (de shíhou)
⋯⋯的时候 (de shíhou)
的时候 (de shí hòu) — when
⋯⋯的时候 (de shíhou)
HSK 2Nouns的时候 (de shí hòu) — when
Rule structure
的时候 (de shíhou) is added to a verb phrase or time word to mean "when" or "at the time of…" It creates a time clause. The structure is VP / Time + 的时候 (de shíhou)，Main Clause.
Rule structure
的时候 (de shíhou) is added to a verb phrase or time word to mean "when" or "at the time of…" It creates a time clause. The structure is VP / Time + 的时候 (de shíhou)，Main Clause.
Examples
我吃饭的时候在看电视。
Wǒ chīfàn de shíhòu zài kàn diànshì.
When I was eating, I was watching TV.
Examples
我吃饭的时候在看电视。
Wǒ chīfàn de shíhòu zài kàn diànshì.
When I was eating, I was watching TV.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “when” in Chinese with 的时候?
Use the structure: ⋯⋯的时候 (de shíhou). For example: 我吃饭的时候在看电视。 — “When I was eating, I was watching TV.”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
我吃饭的时候在看电视。 — “When I was eating, I was watching TV.”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 2.
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More HSK 2 grammar rules
最 — superlative “most”
最 (zuì) + Adj. (+ 了 (le))
到 — direction with “to go to”
到 (dào) + Place + 去 (qù)
虽然 — although… but…
虽然 (suīrán)⋯⋯，但是 (dànshì) / 可是 (kěshì)⋯⋯
一下 — verbing briefly
Verb + 一下 (yíxià)
给 — for (someone)
Subj. + 给 (gěi) + Recipient + Verb Phrase
对 — attitude toward something
Subj. + 对 (duì) + Object / Topic + Verb / Evaluative Phrase
因为 — cause and effect
因为 (yīnwèi)⋯⋯ 所以 (suǒyǐ)⋯⋯
给 — verb + give to someone
Subj. + Verb + 给 (gěi) + Recipient + Obj.