How common it is
时候 appears often in everyday Chinese, so it is worth practicing early and reviewing often.
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Pronunciation focus
Say shíhou slowly first, then repeat it in a short phrase. Listen for the tone shape.
Usage note
时候表示时间点或某个时刻。
shí hòu biǎo shì shí jiān diǎn huò mǒu gè shí kè。
时候 means a time point or a certain moment.
Context note
时候常出现在什么时候、那个时候、这个时候里。
shí hòu cháng chū xiàn zài shén me shí hòu 、 nà ge shí hòu 、 zhè ge shí hòu lǐ。
时候 often appears in phrases like 什么时候, 那个时候, and 这个时候.
5 examples
你什么时候来？
nǐ shén me shí hòu lái？
When will you come?
吃饭的时候不要说话。
chī fàn de shí hòu bú yào shuō huà。
Do not talk while eating.
上课的时候要安静。
shàng kè de shí hòu yào ān jìng。
You should be quiet during class.
这个时候很热。
zhè ge shí hòu hěn rè。
It is hot at this time.
那个时候我还很小。
nà ge shí hòu wǒ hái hěn xiǎo。
I was still very small at that time.
5 mini stories
吃饭的时候，妈妈总是先给我夹菜。那时候我觉得很温暖。
chīfàn de shíhou, māma zǒngshì xiān gěi wǒ jiā cài. nà shíhou wǒ juéde hěn wēnnuǎn.
When eating, Mom always puts food on my plate first. At that time, I feel very warm.
睡觉的时候，爸爸会给我讲故事。那个时候我很快就睡着了。
shuìjiào de shíhou, bàba huì gěi wǒ jiǎng gùshì. nàge shíhou wǒ hěn kuài jiù shuìzháo le.
When sleeping, Dad tells me stories. At that time, I fall asleep quickly.
放学的时候，奶奶在门口等我。那个时候我最开心了。
fàngxué de shíhou, nǎinai zài ménkǒu děng wǒ. nàge shíhou wǒ zuì kāixīn le.
When school is over, Grandma waits for me at the door. At that time, I am happiest.
下雨的时候，爷爷和我一起看雨。那时候我们都不说话。
xiàyǔ de shíhou, yéye hé wǒ yīqǐ kàn yǔ. nà shíhou wǒmen dōu bù shuōhuà.
When it rains, Grandpa and I watch the rain together. At that time, we both stay quiet.
周末的时候，全家一起包饺子。那时候家里总是笑声不断。
zhōumò de shíhou, quánjiā yīqǐ bāo jiǎozi. nà shíhou jiālǐ zǒngshì xiàoshēng bùduàn.
On weekends, the whole family makes dumplings together. At that time, our home is always full of laughter.