Definitions
(verb)
to be; to act as; to serve as
(particle)
when; during; at the time of
(verb)
should; ought to
(verb)
to consider as; to regard as
(adjective)
suitable; appropriate; fitting
About
The character "当" originates from the traditional form "當", which structurally integrates the component "田" for field and "尚" suggesting elevation or equivalence, conveying an initial sense of two things matching or being in balance. From this core concept of correspondence, its meanings broadened to encompass taking on roles or duties, such as acting as or bearing responsibility, and it further evolved to function as a temporal marker equivalent to "at" or "when". The contemporary simplified form "当" is a direct descendant of cursive script variants that abbreviated the original complex shape, maintaining its linguistic utility through a more streamlined graphical representation.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
当然，我喜欢你。
当我小时候，我住在北京。
他当司机已经十年了。
当你看电视时，我在看书。
当你遇到困难时，请告诉我。
她当律师的时候，处理过很多案件。
他把公司当自己的家。
当全球变暖成为焦点时，各国政府应当采取行动。