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时差 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
时差shíchātime differenceHSK 5, n, 16 strokes, rank #13610, Hard
时差shíchātime lagHSK 5, n, 16 strokes, rank #13610, Hard
时差shíchājet lagHSK 5, n, 16 strokes, rank #13610, Hard
shíchā(shi2cha1)shi cha T2
  1. 1time difference
  2. 2time lag
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March 24, 2026

时差(時差)shíchā(shi2cha1)

时差 refers to the difference in time between two geographical locations, commonly used in the context of travel across time zones. It can also refer to the physical effects experienced due to rapid travel between these zones, known as jet lag.

Strokes16Frequency#13610DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In China, the concept of time difference is particularly relevant during major holidays like the Spring Festival when many travel long distances, causing them to experience significant时差.

Memory tip

Imagine two clocks side by side, one showing the time in Beijing and the other in New York, highlighting the '差' (difference) between them. The '时' (time) can be visualized as a clock face, reinforcing the pronunciation 'shi2' and meaning 'time'.

Meanings of 时差

shíchā(shi2cha1)
1time difference
2time lag
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 时差

时差Simplified
時差Traditional
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#13610Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5HSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 时差

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Podcast: 时差

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AI study notes for 时差

Quick Contrast

时区 (shíqū) refers to the time zone itself, while 时差 (shíchā) specifically denotes the difference in time between two time zones.

Usage Notes

Be careful with using 时差 in both formal and informal contexts; it's appropriate in both but can sound more casual in everyday conversation. Common collocations include '调整时差' (adjust the time difference) and '克服时差' (overcome jet lag). Avoid confusing it with '时光' (time), which has a different connotation.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 word, 时差 connects with other travel-related vocabulary such as '旅行' (travel) and '航班' (flight). Focus on understanding how to use it in sentences about travel plans and experiences.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 时差 with '时光', mistakenly using it in a context about memories or experiences, such as '我有美好的时差' instead of '我有美好的时光'. The correct usage should focus on its time difference meaning.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 时差

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Component characters

时shío'clock
HSK 27 strokes日
View full entry
差chàto send
HSK 39 strokes工
View full entry

How to say time difference in Chinese

“time difference” in Chinese is时差shíchā

时差 refers to the difference in time between two geographical locations, commonly used in the context of travel across time zones. It can also refer to the physical effects experienced due to rapid travel between these zones, known as jet lag.

When to use 时差

Be careful with using 时差 in both formal and informal contexts; it's appropriate in both but can sound more casual in everyday conversation. Common collocations include '调整时差' (adjust the time difference) and '克服时差' (overcome jet lag). Avoid confusing it with '时光' (time), which has a different connotation.

时差 or something close to it

时区 (shíqū) refers to the time zone itself, while 时差 (shíchā) specifically denotes the difference in time between two time zones.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 时差 with '时光', mistakenly using it in a context about memories or experiences, such as '我有美好的时差' instead of '我有美好的时光'. The correct usage should focus on its time difference meaning.

Write 时差

时
差

Practice writing 时差 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 时差

时差 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 3 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

一架大型客机在飞近希思罗机场____点儿发生空难。

An airliner came close to disaster while approaching Heathrow Airport.

Example sentences for 时差 (3)

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1
一架大型客机在飞近希思罗机场时差点儿发生空难。

yī jià dàxíng kèjī zài fēi jìn xī sī luō jīchǎng shíchā diǎn ér fāshēng kōngnàn。

An airliner came close to disaster while approaching Heathrow Airport.
2
他的出勤记录时好时差。

tā de chū qín jìlù shí hǎo shíchā。

His attendance record was spotty.
3
莱迪宰人不见血, 价格和大商场打折时差不多.

lái dí zǎi rén bújiàn xuè, jiàgé hé dà shāngchǎng dǎzhé shíchā bù duō.

Jae lady who no blood, and the price discount department stores almost.

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Frequently asked questions about 时差

You can say, '我现在在美国,时差很大。' (I am in the US now, the time difference is significant.)

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