随时

• Pinyin: suí shí
• Hanzi breakdown: 随 = 辶 (walk) + phonetic component, meaning 'to follow'; 时 = 日 (sun) + 寸 (inch), meaning 'time'

Meaning

At any time; whenever. Indicates availability or readiness without time restrictions.

An adverb meaning something can happen or be done at any moment. Often used in offers of help or availability (随时欢迎 welcome anytime, 随时联系 contact anytime). Differs from 有时候 (sometimes) which indicates occasional occurrence, while 随时 indicates constant availability.

Examples

1. 有问题你随时可以问我。 You can ask me any time if you have questions.
2. 他随时准备出发。 He is ready to leave at any time.
3. 手机要随时带在身上。 You should carry your phone with you at all times.

Usage Guide

Context: offers, availability, instructions

Tone: helpful

Do Say

• 你随时可以来找我。(You can come find me anytime.)
• 随时欢迎你来做客。(You are welcome to visit anytime.)

Don't Say

• 不要把随时和有时候混淆 (Don't confuse 随时 and 有时候 — 随时 means 'at any time, always ready,' while 有时候 means 'sometimes, occasionally')

Origin & History

随 (suí, to follow) + 时 (shí, time). Literally 'following any time,' meaning without restriction to any particular moment.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal