为期

• Pinyin: wéi qī
• Hanzi breakdown: 为 = simplified from 為, to be; 期 = 其 + 月, period/time

Meaning

For a period of; lasting; with a duration of.

A formal expression used to specify the duration of an event, project, or period. Always followed by a time expression (为期三天 lasting three days). Common in news reports, official announcements, and formal documents. Cannot be used alone.

Examples

1. 这次培训为期两周，从下周一开始。 This training lasts two weeks, starting next Monday.
2. 为期一年的交换项目让他收获颇丰。 The year-long exchange program gave him great gains.
3. 展览为期三个月，免费向公众开放。 The exhibition runs for three months and is open to the public for free.

Usage Guide

Context: official, news, announcements

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 为期一周的会议。(A week-long conference.)
• 活动为期三天。(The event lasts three days.)

Don't Say

• 为期很长 — 为期 must be followed by a specific duration, not vague descriptions

Origin & History

Compound of 为 (to be/constitute) + 期 (period), meaning to constitute a period of time.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal