时期

• Pinyin: shí qī
• Hanzi breakdown: 时 = time; 期 = period, phase — a period of time, era

Meaning

Period; era; phase. A span of time characterized by particular events, conditions, or developments.

Used to refer to historical eras, life stages, or phases of a process. More formal and precise than 时候. Often appears in academic, historical, and official contexts. Can modify or be modified by descriptive terms to specify which period.

Examples

1. 抗战时期，许多艺术家用作品鼓舞民众。 During the War of Resistance, many artists used their works to inspire the public.
2. 青春期是人生中最容易迷茫的时期。 Adolescence is the most confusing period in one's life.
3. 公司正处于快速扩张的关键时期。 The company is in a critical period of rapid expansion.

Usage Guide

Context: historical, academic, professional

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 改革开放时期经济飞速发展。(The economy developed rapidly during the reform and opening-up period.)
• 这是我人生的重要时期。(This is an important period in my life.)

Don't Say

• 口语中描述短暂时间用'时候'更自然 (For short moments in casual speech, use 时候 — 时期 implies a longer, defined period)

Origin & History

Compound of 时 (time) + 期 (period, phase). A formal term for designating distinct temporal periods.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal