有时候

• Pinyin: yǒu shí hou
• Hanzi breakdown: 有 = possession/existence; 时 = 日 (sun) + 寺 (temple, phonetic), denoting time; 候 = 人 (person) + 矦 (phonetic), indicating a period of waiting

Meaning

Sometimes; at times; occasionally. Used to describe actions or states that occur irregularly.

A very common adverbial expression placed before the verb in a sentence. Can be used on its own or in a paired structure — 有时候...有时候... — meaning 'sometimes...sometimes...' to contrast varying behaviours or conditions. Interchangeable with 有时 in more formal or written contexts.

Examples

1. 我有时候去图书馆看书。 I sometimes go to the library to read.
2. 他有时候很安静，有时候很活泼。 He is sometimes very quiet, sometimes very lively.
3. 有时候我不想说话。 Sometimes I don't want to talk.

Usage Guide

Context: time, frequency, everyday

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 有时候我自己做饭。(Sometimes I cook for myself.)
• 有时候他来得早，有时候来得晚。(Sometimes he arrives early, sometimes late.)

Don't Say

• 我有时候的去跑步。(Incorrect — don't add 的 after 有时候; say 我有时候去跑步)

Origin & History

A compound of 有 (there is), 时 (time), and 候 (period/wait). Together they mean 'there are times when' — naturally expressing occasional occurrence.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal