星期

• Pinyin: xīng qī
• Hanzi breakdown: 星 = 日 (sun/day) + 生 (born, phonetic); 期 = 其 (phonetic) + 月 (moon)

Meaning

Week. Used as a standalone noun or as a prefix when naming specific days of the week (星期一 through 星期日/星期天).

The most common word for 'week' in everyday Mandarin. 一个星期 means 'one week'. Pairs with numbers 一-六 for Monday-Saturday and with 日 or 天 for Sunday.

Examples

1. 这个星期你有空吗？ Are you free this week?
2. 我每个星期学两次中文。 I study Chinese twice a week.
3. 下个星期我们有一个考试。 We have an exam next week.

Usage Guide

Context: scheduling, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个星期你忙吗？(Are you busy this week?)
• 一个星期有七天。(There are seven days in a week.)

Don't Say

• 把'星期'单独用在具体的日期里。(Don't use 星期 alone to mean a specific day — always add a number or 日/天)

Origin & History

星 means 'star' and 期 means 'period/cycle'. The term reflects the ancient association of the seven days of the week with the sun, moon, and five visible planets.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal