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March 24, 2026
定时(定時)dìngshí(ding4shi2)
定时 (dìngshí) means to fix a specific time for an event or action. It is commonly used in contexts such as scheduling, appointments, and also in technical fields like programming or mechanics, where something needs to happen at a predetermined time.
Frequency#16312DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, punctuality is highly valued, especially in business settings. The concept of 定时 is crucial for maintaining relationships and respect, as being on time reflects one's reliability and commitment.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clock with the hands fixed at a specific time. The character 定 (dìng) looks like a roof and a person sitting under it, signifying a 'fixed' place or time, while 时 (shí) resembles a timepiece. Together, they remind you of setting a precise moment for an event.
Meanings of 定时
dìngshí(ding4shi2)
1to fix a time
2fixed time
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 定时
定时Simplified
定時Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 定时
Podcast: 定时
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AI Study Notes for 定时
Quick Contrast
定点 (dìngdiǎn) - use 定时 when referring to scheduling time for events, while 定点 refers to fixing a specific point in space.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a clock with the hands fixed at a specific time. The character 定 (dìng) looks like a roof and a person sitting under it, signifying a 'fixed' place or time, while 时 (shí) resembles a timepiece. Together, they remind you of setting a precise moment for an event.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 定时 with 时限 (shíxiàn), which refers to a deadline. 定时 is more about setting a specific time rather than a limit. It is often used in both formal and informal settings, but is more common in everyday conversation.
HSK Study Tips
定时 does not appear in the first few levels of HSK, but it connects to time-related vocabulary like 时间 (shíjiān, time) and 计划 (jìhuà, plan). Focus on understanding its application in scheduling and how it pairs with verbs for more nuanced expression.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, punctuality is highly valued, especially in business settings. The concept of 定时 is crucial for maintaining relationships and respect, as being on time reflects one's reliability and commitment.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 定时 with related terms. For instance, using 定时 when they mean something regular or recurring, such as 定期. Correct usage would be 定时 for specific instances and 定期 for regular intervals.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 定时
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Cultural Notes for 定时
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, punctuality is highly valued, especially in business settings. The concept of 定时 is crucial for maintaining relationships and respect, as being on time reflects one's reliability and commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions about 定时
No, it can also refer to fixed times for activities like cooking, meetings, or programming tasks.
Yes, it's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts when discussing schedules.
定时 refers to a fixed time for specific actions, while 定期 (dìngqī) refers to a regular or periodic schedule.
