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期间 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
期间
qījiān
period of time
HSK 5, f, 19 strokes, rank #2650, Hard
期间
qījiān
time
HSK 5, f, 19 strokes, rank #2650, Hard
期间
qījiān
time period
HSK 5, f, 19 strokes, rank #2650, Hard
期间
qījiān
period
HSK 5, f, 19 strokes, rank #2650, Hard
qījiān(qi1jian1)qi jian T1
1period of time
2time
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March 24, 2026
期间(期間)qījiān(qi1jian1)
期间 refers to a specific period of time during which an event or activity occurs. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to denote durations such as weeks, months, or even years. This term helps to provide clarity about when something is happening or when it took place.
Strokes19Frequency#2650DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, understanding time periods is essential for planning events, such as festivals and family gatherings. The concept of 期间 is often tied to significant cultural milestones, such as the Spring Festival, where activities are planned based around specific time frames.
Memory tip
Imagine a clock with hands marking a time interval—this visual represents 期间 (qi1 jian1) as it signifies a ‘period’ of time. The character 期 (qi) looks like a sun rising over a horizon, indicating the start of a new time period, while 间 (jian) suggests a space between two points in time.
Meanings of 期间
qījiān(qi1jian1)
1period of time
2time
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 期间
期间Simplified
期間Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
方位词direction word (dir.)Part of Speech
#2650Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 期间
Podcast: 期间
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AI study notes for 期间
Quick Contrast
时间 (shíjiān) vs 期间 (qījiān): Use 期间 to emphasize a specific duration within a broader timeframe.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 期间 with similar terms like 时间 (shí jiān), which refers to 'time' in a more general sense. 期间 is often used with specific time frames, such as '在这期间' (during this period). It is typically used in both spoken and written Chinese, but may lean more towards formal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 期间 connects to other time-related vocabulary such as 时间 (time) and 时刻 (moment). Students should focus on using 期间 in sentences that describe events or activities within given time frames to enhance their fluency.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 期间 by pairing it with verbs that do not indicate an action occurring over time, such as saying '我在期间吃' (I eat during the period), which is incorrect. Instead, say '我在期间工作' (I work during this period).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 期间
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
期间 refers to a specific period of time during which an event or activity occurs. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to denote durations such as weeks, months, or even years. This term helps to provide clarity about when something is happening or when it took place.
When to use 期间
Be careful not to confuse 期间 with similar terms like 时间 (shí jiān), which refers to 'time' in a more general sense. 期间 is often used with specific time frames, such as '在这期间' (during this period). It is typically used in both spoken and written Chinese, but may lean more towards formal contexts.
期间 or something close to it
时间 (shíjiān) vs 期间 (qījiān): Use 期间 to emphasize a specific duration within a broader timeframe.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 期间 by pairing it with verbs that do not indicate an action occurring over time, such as saying '我在期间吃' (I eat during the period), which is incorrect. Instead, say '我在期间工作' (I work during this period).
Write 期间
期
间
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Grammar patterns of 期间
期间 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
