中期

• Pinyin: zhōng qī
• Hanzi breakdown: 中 = line through rectangle representing center; 期 = 其 (phonetic) + 月 (moon/month)

Meaning

Middle period; mid-term; the intermediate stage of a process or duration.

Refers to the middle phase of any defined time span, whether a project, historical era, pregnancy, or term of office. Common in academic, medical, and business contexts. Often contrasted with 初期 (early period) and 后期/末期 (late period).

Examples

1. 项目进入中期阶段后，我们需要重新评估预算和进度。 After the project enters the middle phase, we need to reassess the budget and schedule.
2. 怀孕中期是胎儿发育最快的时候，孕妇要特别注意营养。 The second trimester is when the fetus develops fastest, so pregnant women need to pay special attention to nutrition.
3. 十九世纪中期，工业革命深刻改变了欧洲社会的面貌。 In the mid-nineteenth century, the Industrial Revolution profoundly changed the face of European society.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, business, medical

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 中期报告显示销售额有所增长。(The mid-term report shows an increase in sales.)
• 我们计划在中期进行一次全面评估。(We plan to conduct a comprehensive evaluation midway through.)

Don't Say

• 我中期去超市买菜。(Awkward — 中期 is for formal time periods, not daily activities; use 中午 or specific times)

Origin & History

Compound of 中 (middle) and 期 (period, time). A straightforward combination indicating the middle portion of a defined timeframe.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal