时刻

• Pinyin: shí kè
• Hanzi breakdown: 时 = 日 (sun) + 寸 (inch), meaning time; 刻 = 亥 (phonetic) + 刂 (knife), meaning to carve or a quarter-hour

Meaning

Moment; at all times. A specific point in time, or used adverbially to mean constantly or always.

As a noun, 时刻 refers to a particular moment or point in time, often a significant one. As an adverb, it means at all times, constantly, or always, expressing continuous attention or readiness. More formal and emphatic than 时候.

Examples

1. 那是我人生中最开心的时刻。 That was the happiest moment of my life.
2. 父母时刻关心着孩子的安全。 Parents constantly care about their children's safety.
3. 在关键时刻，他做出了正确的选择。 At the critical moment, he made the right choice.

Usage Guide

Context: narrative, advice, important events

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我们要时刻注意安全。(We should always pay attention to safety.)
• 毕业典礼是一个难忘的时刻。(The graduation ceremony is an unforgettable moment.)

Don't Say

• 你时刻几点到？(Don't use 时刻 to ask about clock time — use 什么时候 or 几点 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 时 (time, hour) and 刻 (quarter-hour, to carve). Originally referred to precise time markings on ancient water clocks.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal