时
候

About

The word "时候" is formed by combining the character "时", meaning "time" or "season", derived from the sun radical (日) associated with temporal cycles, with "候", meaning "wait" or "period", which includes the person radical (亻) and historically relates to observing or marking intervals. Together, "时" provides the core concept of time, while "候" adds the notion of a specific duration or moment, resulting in a compound word meaning "time" or "a point in time".

Example Sentences Hide

我小时候喜欢游泳。

Wǒ xiǎo shíhou xǐhuān yóuyǒng.

When I was young, I liked swimming.

吃饭的时候不要说话。

Chīfàn de shíhou bùyào shuōhuà.

Don't talk while eating.

他回来的时候，我已经睡了。

Tā huílái de shíhou, wǒ yǐjīng shuìle.

When he came back, I had already slept.

在我们最困难的时候，他帮助了我们。

Zài wǒmen zuì kùnnán de shíhou, tā bāngzhùle wǒmen.

When we were in the most difficult time, he helped us.

当你感到孤独的时候，记得还有朋友在身边。

Dāng nǐ gǎndào gūdú de shíhou, jìde hái yǒu péngyou zài shēnbiān.

When you feel lonely, remember that friends are by your side.

Word Definition - 时候

shí hou time; length of time; moment; period

Individual Character Details

时 shí, shí, shí
候 hòu