How to say “when” in Chinese with 时 (shí)
Time + 时 (shí)
Expressing "when" with "时 (shí)"
Time + 时 (shí)
HSK 3NounsExpressing "when" with "时 (shí)"
Rule structure
时 (shí) is a formal way to say "when," close in meaning to 的时候 (de shíhou). It creates a time clause and is more common in written or formal Chinese.
Rule structure
时 (shí) is a formal way to say "when," close in meaning to 的时候 (de shíhou). It creates a time clause and is more common in written or formal Chinese.
Examples
回家时,给我打个电话。
Huí jiā shí, gěi wǒ dǎ gè diànhuà.
Give me a call when you go home.
Examples
回家时,给我打个电话。
Huí jiā shí, gěi wǒ dǎ gè diànhuà.
Give me a call when you go home.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you express “Expressing "when" with "时 (shí)"” in Chinese?
Use the structure: Time + 时 (shí). For example: 回家时,给我打个电话。 — “Give me a call when you go home.”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
回家时,给我打个电话。 — “Give me a call when you go home.”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.
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More HSK 3 grammar rules
Expressing "just now" with "刚才 (gāngcái)"
刚才 (gāngcái) + Verb
In the future in general with "以后 (yǐhòu)"
以后 (yǐhòu),⋯⋯
Sequencing past events with "后来 (hòulái)"
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Expressing "before" in general with "以前 (yǐqián)"
以前 (yǐqián),⋯⋯
Simultaneous tasks with "一边 (yìbiān)"
一边 (yìbiān) + Verb 1, 一边 (yìbiān) + Verb 2
Expressing "if… then…" with "如果 (rúguǒ) … 就 (jiù) …"
如果 (rúguǒ)……,就 (jiù)……
Big numbers in Chinese
Number + 万 (wàn) / 亿 (yì)
Turning adjectives into adverbs
Adj. + 地 (de) + Verb
