Meanings of 时间
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Podcast: 时间
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AI Study Notes for 时间
时刻 (shíkè) refers to a specific moment in time, whereas 时间 (shíjiān) refers to time in a broader sense, including durations and periods.
Be careful not to confuse '时间' with '时刻' (shíkè), which refers to a specific moment. This word is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Remember that '时间' is often paired with verbs like '花' (huā - to spend) or '管理' (guǎnlǐ - to manage).
As an HSK Level 2 word, '时间' connects well with other basic vocabulary related to daily activities and planning. Focus on using it in sentences about your daily schedule or discussing future plans.
Learners often misuse '时间' by saying '我有时间' (Wǒ yǒu shíjiān) when they mean 'I have an appointment' instead of 'I have time'. The correct phrase for an appointment is '我有约' (Wǒ yǒu yuē).
Pronunciation of 时间
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Component Characters
How to say time in Chinese
“time” in Chinese is时间
时间 (shíjiān) refers to the concept of time, encompassing durations, moments, and periods. It is commonly used in both daily conversations and formal contexts when discussing schedules, deadlines, or historical events.
When to use 时间
Be careful not to confuse '时间' with '时刻' (shíkè), which refers to a specific moment. This word is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Remember that '时间' is often paired with verbs like '花' (huā - to spend) or '管理' (guǎnlǐ - to manage).
时间 or something close to it
时刻 (shíkè) refers to a specific moment in time, whereas 时间 (shíjiān) refers to time in a broader sense, including durations and periods.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse '时间' by saying '我有时间' (Wǒ yǒu shíjiān) when they mean 'I have an appointment' instead of 'I have time'. The correct phrase for an appointment is '我有约' (Wǒ yǒu yuē).
Write 时间
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Practice writing 时间 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 时间
时间 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
仅短短5年____后，你的钱就会增多94,000美元。
Only five short years later, your money will have grown by $94,
Example Sentences for 时间 (10)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 时间
You can ask, '现在几点钟?' (Xiànzài jǐ diǎn zhōng?), which means 'What time is it now?'.
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