这时候

• Pinyin: zhè shí hou
• Hanzi breakdown: 这 = 辶 (walk) + 文 (writing); 时 = 日 (sun) + 寸 (inch); 候 = 亻(person) + 侯 (marquis, phonetic)

Meaning

At this moment; at this time. Used to refer to a specific point in time during a narration.

Frequently used in storytelling or descriptions to mark a turning point or a specific moment. Often introduces a new event or change in the narrative. Can refer to the present moment or a past moment being described.

Examples

1. 这时候外面开始下雨了。 At that moment, it started raining outside.
2. 我正在吃饭，这时候电话响了。 I was eating, and just then the phone rang.
3. 这时候他才想起来还有作业没做。 Only then did he remember he still had homework to do.

Usage Guide

Context: narrative, everyday

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这时候你应该好好休息。(You should get some good rest at this time.)
• 这时候大家都安静下来了。(At that moment, everyone quieted down.)

Don't Say

• 我这时候三点去。(Don't use 这时候 to mean a clock time — it refers to a narrative moment. Say 我三点的时候去.)

Origin & History

Compound of 这 (this) and 时候 (time/moment), literally 'this time/this moment.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal