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March 24, 2026
随时(隨時)suíshí(sui2shi2)
随时 (sui2 shi2) means 'at any time' or 'at all times.' It is often used to indicate flexibility or readiness to act whenever needed. This term is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, especially in contexts where availability or promptness is emphasized.
Strokes18Frequency#1387DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being available and responsive is often valued in both personal and professional relationships. 随时 reflects the importance of adaptability and readiness to engage with others.
Memory Tip
Imagine a clock that can turn in any direction, symbolizing the idea of 'any time.' The character 随 (sui) suggests 'following' or 'to accompany,' while 时 (shi) means 'time.' Picture someone saying, 'I can follow your schedule, just tell me the time!'
Meanings of 随时
suíshí(sui2shi2)
1at any time
2at all times
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About 随时
随时Simplified
隨時Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#1387Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 随时
Podcast: 随时
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AI Study Notes for 随时
Quick Contrast
随地 (suídì) - use 随时 when referring to time flexibility, while 随地 emphasizes location flexibility.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 随时 with 任何时间 (ren4 he2 shi2 jian1), which means 'any time' but is less flexible. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone, as using a different tone can alter the meaning. Common collocations include '随时联系' (sui2 shi2 lian2 xi4) meaning 'contact at any time.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 随时 connects well with other time-related vocabulary. Focus on using it in sentences to express readiness or availability in various contexts, enhancing your conversation skills. Practice with phrases that convey the idea of timing and flexibility.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 随时 by placing it in the wrong context, such as saying '我随时去' (I go at any time) instead of '我随时可以去' (I can go at any time). Ensure to use it with appropriate verbs to convey readiness.
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Pronunciation of 随时
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随时 (sui2 shi2) means 'at any time' or 'at all times.' It is often used to indicate flexibility or readiness to act whenever needed. This term is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, especially in contexts where availability or promptness is emphasized.
When to use 随时
Learners often confuse 随时 with 任何时间 (ren4 he2 shi2 jian1), which means 'any time' but is less flexible. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone, as using a different tone can alter the meaning. Common collocations include '随时联系' (sui2 shi2 lian2 xi4) meaning 'contact at any time.'
随时 or something close to it
随地 (suídì) - use 随时 when referring to time flexibility, while 随地 emphasizes location flexibility.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 随时 by placing it in the wrong context, such as saying '我随时去' (I go at any time) instead of '我随时可以去' (I can go at any time). Ensure to use it with appropriate verbs to convey readiness.
Write 随时
随
时
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Grammar Patterns of 随时
随时 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. 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.
