当天

• Pinyin: dàng tiān
• Hanzi breakdown: 当 = simplified form; 天 = 一 (one) + 大 (big), meaning sky/day

Meaning

On that day; the same day. The very day being discussed.

Refers to a specific day that is the topic of conversation, whether past or future. Often emphasizes immediacy or that something happened/will happen on the same day as another event. Common in storytelling and scheduling.

Examples

1. 门票当天购买会贵一些，建议提前网上预订。 Buying tickets on the day is more expensive — it's recommended to book online in advance.
2. 订单下了之后，当天就能送到。 After placing the order, it can be delivered the same day.
3. 当天晚上他就收到了录取通知书。 That very evening, he received his acceptance letter.

Usage Guide

Context: time, scheduling

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 当天往返机票。(Same-day round-trip ticket.)
• 当天的报纸已经卖完了。(That day's newspapers are sold out.)

Don't Say

• 当天强调特定那一天，不能用来指'每天' (当天 emphasizes a specific day — don't use it to mean 'every day')

Origin & History

Combines 当 (that/the current) with 天 (day), meaning that particular day.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal