How to say “when” in Chinese with 当 (dāng)
当 (dāng) + Time / Event + 的时候 (de shíhou), Main Clause
Expressing "when" using "当 (dāng)"
当 (dāng) + Time / Event + 的时候 (de shíhou), Main Clause
HSK 5NounsExpressing "when" using "当 (dāng)"
Rule structure
当 (dāng) is a formal/precise "when". It is always followed by 的时候 (de shíhou) (or 时 (shí)) and introduces a specific point in time.
Rule structure
当 (dāng) is a formal/precise "when". It is always followed by 的时候 (de shíhou) (or 时 (shí)) and introduces a specific point in time.
Examples
当我回家的时候，天已经黑了。
Dāng wǒ huí jiā de shíhòu, tiān yǐjīng hēi le.
When I got home, it was already dark.
Examples
当我回家的时候，天已经黑了。
Dāng wǒ huí jiā de shíhòu, tiān yǐjīng hēi le.
When I got home, it was already dark.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you express “Expressing "when" using "当 (dāng)"” in Chinese?
Use the structure: 当 (dāng) + Time / Event + 的时候 (de shíhou), Main Clause. For example: 当我回家的时候，天已经黑了。 — “When I got home, it was already dark.”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
当我回家的时候，天已经黑了。 — “When I got home, it was already dark.”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 5.
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More HSK 5 grammar rules
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彼此 (bǐcǐ) + Verb
Complement "-坏了 (huàile)"
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Expressing "even if…" with "就是 (jiùshì)"
就是 (jiùshì)⋯⋯，也 (yě)⋯⋯
Continuing state with "还 (hái)…呢 (ne)"
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