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March 24, 2026
有时候(有時候)yǒushíhou(you3 shi2hou)
有时候 (yǒu shíhou) means 'sometimes' in Mandarin. It is commonly used to express that an action or state occurs occasionally, rather than all the time. This phrase is versatile and can be applied in various contexts, such as discussing habits, feelings, or events.
Strokes24Frequency#—DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of time is often viewed more fluidly than in the West; thus, 有时候 may imply a more relaxed attitude towards punctuality and commitments.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clock that only ticks sometimes. The character 有 (yǒu) looks like a person holding something, signifying 'having' or 'there is', while 时 (shí) represents time. Visualizing someone checking the time occasionally can help you remember that 有时候 means 'sometimes'.
Meanings of 有时候
yǒushíhou(you3 shi2hou)
1sometimes; from time to time
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About 有时候
有时候Simplified
有時候Traditional
24Strokes
—Radical
时间词time word (t.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L1ElementaryHSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 有时候
Podcast: 有时候
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AI Study Notes for 有时候
Quick Contrast
有时 (yǒushí) vs 有时候 (yǒushíhou): use 有时候 for a more casual or conversational tone, while 有时 is slightly more formal.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a clock that only ticks sometimes. The character 有 (yǒu) looks like a person holding something, signifying 'having' or 'there is', while 时 (shí) represents time. Visualizing someone checking the time occasionally can help you remember that 有时候 means 'sometimes'.
Usage Notes
When using 有时候, remember it typically comes before the verb it modifies. A common mistake is to confuse it with 永远 (yǒngyuǎn), which means 'forever'; ensure you understand the difference in duration implied. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
有时候 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, but it is useful for HSK 3 learners who are starting to express frequency and time-related expressions. Focus on practicing it with verbs to solidify your understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of time is often viewed more fluidly than in the West; thus, 有时候 may imply a more relaxed attitude towards punctuality and commitments.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to place 有时候 before the verb, leading to errors like '我去有时候商店' instead of '我有时候去商店'. Always remember the correct structure for clarity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 有时候
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Cultural Notes for 有时候
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of time is often viewed more fluidly than in the West; thus, 有时候 may imply a more relaxed attitude towards punctuality and commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions about 有时候
Yes, 有时候 is appropriate in both spoken and written contexts.
有时 (yǒu shí) is a more formal alternative, but it carries the same meaning.
Yes, you can use it in questions like '你有时候去吗？' (Do you go sometimes?)
