按时

• Pinyin: àn shí
• Hanzi breakdown: 按 = 扌(hand) + 安 (peace, phonetic), meaning according to; 时 = 日 (sun) + 寸 (inch), meaning time

Meaning

On time; punctually. Describes doing something at the scheduled or expected time.

A common adverb used in daily life, work, and school contexts. Often paired with verbs like 到达 (arrive), 完成 (complete), 吃饭 (eat), 睡觉 (sleep). Synonymous with 准时 but slightly more formal in tone.

Examples

1. 老师要求我们按时交作业，不能迟交。 The teacher requires us to hand in homework on time — no late submissions.
2. 每天按时吃饭对身体健康很重要。 Eating on time every day is very important for your health.
3. 他总是按时上班，从来不迟到。 He always goes to work on time and is never late.

Usage Guide

Context: work, school, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请按时到达机场。(Please arrive at the airport on time.)
• 按时休息才能保持好的精神状态。(Resting on time is the way to maintain good energy.)

Don't Say

• 说'我按时地喝了咖啡' (Don't use 按时 for casual habits without a set schedule — it implies a fixed timetable; use 定时 or just state the time)

Origin & History

Composed of 按 (according to, following) and 时 (time). Literally means 'following the time' — doing things as scheduled.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal