时间 — meaning in English: time

shíjiān · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for timing

船

chuán

边境

biānjìng

喝

hē

颜色

yánsè

时间

shíjiān

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use '时间' in everyday conversations to discuss schedules, appointments, or deadlines. For example, someone might say '你有多少时间？' (How much time do you have?) when planning a meeting or asking about availability.

Synonyms & nuances

'时间' is often used interchangeably with '时刻' (shíkè), which means 'moment'. However, '时间' refers to time in a more general sense, while '时刻' emphasizes specific points in time, making it more suitable when you want to highlight an exact moment.

Culture

'时间' has deep cultural significance in Chinese society, where the perception of time is often linked to harmony and balance. Interestingly, the character '时' (shí) relates to 'hour' or 'time', while '间' (jiān) conveys the idea of 'space' or 'interval', reflecting a nuanced understanding of how time and space interact in daily life.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of '时间' in English?

'时间' translates to 'time' in English, referring to the ongoing progression of events and moments.

Q.How do you use '时间' in a sentence?

You can use '时间' in sentences like '我没有时间' (I don't have time) or '我们可以在这个时间见面' (We can meet at this time) to discuss schedules.

Q.Is there a formal way to say '时间'?

While '时间' is neutral, in formal contexts you might specify time more precisely, using phrases like '时段' (shídùan) to refer to a time period, especially in written communication.

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