时间
shí jiān
Time · trad. 時間
时间 (shíjiān) is the most common and general word for 'time' in Mandarin Chinese. It refers to time as a concept, duration, or available time.
When to use it
Neutral. It's suitable for most situations. When asking 'what time is it?', you'd typically use 几点了 (jǐ diǎn le)? or 现在几点 (xiànzài jǐ diǎn)? When asking 'how much time?', you can use 多长时间 (duō cháng shíjiān)?
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “shur-jee-EN.” The first syllable, 时, is a rising tone, like 'sheer' but rising. The second syllable, 间, is a high, flat tone, like 'jen' in 'Jennifer'.
Other ways to say it
- 时候shí hòutime; moment (often used in 'when' clauses)
- 点diǎno'clock; point (for specific time of day)
- 次cìtime; occasion (for counting occurrences)
Examples
你现在有时间吗？
nǐ xiàn zài yǒu shí jiān ma ？
Do you have time now?
我们什么时候见面？
wǒ men shén me shí hòu jiàn miàn ？
When shall we meet?
现在是三点。
xiàn zài shì sān diǎn 。
It's three o'clock now.
Pro tip: Mandarin Chinese uses different words for different aspects of 'time.' Use 时间 (shíjiān) for general time or duration, 时候 (shíhou) for 'when' or a specific moment, 点 (diǎn) for 'o'clock,' and 次 (cì) for counting occurrences ('how many times').
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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