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March 24, 2026
这时候(這時候)zhèshíhou(zhe4 shi2hou)
这时候 (zhè shíhou) means 'at this time' or 'at this moment' in English. It is commonly used to refer to a specific point in time during a conversation or narrative, emphasizing the immediacy or relevance of the moment being discussed.
Strokes24Frequency#—DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of time is often associated with punctuality and the importance of seizing the moment. Using 这时候 can reflect a cultural emphasis on the importance of the present.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clock striking the hour, signaling 'this time' to focus on what’s happening right now. The characters 这 (zhè) means 'this,' and 时 (shí) relates to 'time,' while 候 (hou) adds the nuance of a specific moment.
Meanings of 这时候
zhèshíhou(zhe4 shi2hou)
1at this time; at this moment
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About 这时候
这时候Simplified
這時候Traditional
24Strokes
—Radical
时间词time word (t.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L2ElementaryHSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 这时候
Podcast: 这时候
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AI Study Notes for 这时候
Quick Contrast
那时候 (nà shíhou) - use 这时候 for a time that is immediate or relevant to the current context, while 那时候 refers to a time that is more distant or not currently relevant.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a clock striking the hour, signaling 'this time' to focus on what’s happening right now. The characters 这 (zhè) means 'this,' and 时 (shí) relates to 'time,' while 候 (hou) adds the nuance of a specific moment.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 时候 (shíhou), as mispronunciation can change its meaning. This phrase is informal and commonly used in daily conversation but can also be appropriate in written contexts when indicating a specific time frame.
HSK Study Tips
As 这时候 is not an HSK level word, learners should focus on understanding its components: 这 (this) and 时 (time). Connecting this phrase to other time-related vocabulary will help reinforce its meaning.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of time is often associated with punctuality and the importance of seizing the moment. Using 这时候 can reflect a cultural emphasis on the importance of the present.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 这时候 with 这个时候 (zhège shíhou), which also means 'this time' but is slightly more formal. Remember, 这时候 is more conversational and emphasizes immediacy.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 这时候
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Cultural Notes for 这时候
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of time is often associated with punctuality and the importance of seizing the moment. Using 这时候 can reflect a cultural emphasis on the importance of the present.
Frequently Asked Questions about 这时候
You can say, '这时候，我正在吃饭' (At this time, I am eating).
While it is more common in spoken Chinese, 这时候 can be used in informal written contexts, like personal letters or social media.
Yes, it translates to 'at this time' or 'at this moment'.
