When learning a new language, understanding how to express time is essential for effective communication. In the Chinese language, prepositions of time play a crucial role in conveying when an action occurs. By using these prepositions correctly, learners can accurately express various time frames in their conversations. In this introduction, we will explore the different Chinese prepositions of time, provide example sentences, and guide beginners in using them accurately.
今天 (jīn tiān) – Today
One of the most commonly used prepositions of time in Chinese is 今天 (jīn tiān), which means “today.” It refers to the present day, allowing individuals to express actions or events happening on the current day. Here are a few examples:
今天是星期一。 (Jīn tiān shì xīng qī yī.) – Today is Monday.
今天我有很多事情要做。 (Jīn tiān wǒ yǒu hěn duō shì qíng yào zuò.) – I have a lot of things to do today.
今天晚上我要和朋友去看电影。 (Jīn tiān wǎn shàng wǒ yào hé péng yǒu qù kàn diàn yǐng.) – I’m going to the movies with my friends tonight.
昨天 (zuó tiān) – Yesterday
To refer to the day before the present day, the preposition 昨天 (zuó tiān) is used, meaning “yesterday.” This preposition allows individuals to talk about actions or events that occurred on the previous day. Consider the following examples:
昨天我去了图书馆。 (Zuó tiān wǒ qù le tú shū guǎn.) – I went to the library yesterday.
昨天晚上我和朋友一起吃了晚饭。 (Zuó tiān wǎn shàng wǒ hé péng yǒu yì qǐ chī le wǎn fàn.) – I had dinner with my friend last night.
昨天下雨了,所以我没有去公园。 (Zuó tiān xià yǔ le, suǒ yǐ wǒ méi yǒu qù gōng yuán.) – It rained yesterday, so I didn’t go to the park.
明天 (míng tiān) – Tomorrow
When talking about actions or events that will take place on the day following the present day, the preposition 明天 (míng tiān) is used, meaning “tomorrow.” Here are a few examples:
明天是我生日,我很兴奋。 (Míng tiān shì wǒ shēng rì, wǒ hěn xīng fèn.) – Tomorrow is my birthday, and I’m excited.
明天早上我要去机场接我的朋友。 (Míng tiān zǎo shàng wǒ yào qù jī chǎng jiē wǒ de péng yǒu.) – I’m going to the airport tomorrow morning to pick up my friend.
明天我打算去购物。 (Míng tiān wǒ dǎ suàn qù gòu wù.) – I plan to go shopping tomorrow.
上午 (shàng wǔ) – Morning
To refer to the morning hours, the preposition 上午 (shàng wǔ) is used. It allows individuals to specify actions or events happening during the morning time. Consider the following examples:
我每天上午七点起床。 (Wǒ měi tiān shàng wǔ qī diǎn qǐ chuáng.) – I wake up at 7 a.m. every morning.
上午我要去开会。 (Shàng wǔ wǒ yào qù kāi huì.) – I have a meeting in the morning.
上午十点半我们在咖啡厅见面。 (Shàng wǔ shí diǎn bàn wǒ men zài kā fēi tīng jiàn miàn.) – Let’s meet at the coffee shop at 10:30 a.m.
下午 (xià wǔ) – Afternoon
To express actions or events occurring during the afternoon, the preposition 下午 (xià wǔ) is used, meaning “afternoon.” Here are a few examples:
下午三点我要去医院看病。 (Xià wǔ sān diǎn wǒ yào qù yī yuàn kàn bìng.) – I’m going to the hospital to see the doctor at 3 p.m. in the afternoon.
下午我要和朋友一起去看电影。 (Xià wǔ wǒ yào hé péng yǒu yì qǐ qù kàn diàn yǐng.) – I’m going to watch a movie with my friend in the afternoon.
明天下午有个重要的会议。 (Míng tiān xià wǔ yǒu gè zhòng yào de huì yì.) – There’s an important meeting tomorrow afternoon.
晚上 (wǎn shàng) – Evening/Night
To refer to actions or events taking place in the evening or at night, the preposition 晚上 (wǎn shàng) is used. Consider the following examples:
我喜欢晚上散步。 (Wǒ xǐ huān wǎn shàng sàn bù.) – I enjoy taking walks in the evening.
晚上我们要去餐馆吃晚饭。 (Wǎn shàng wǒ men yào qù cān guǎn chī wǎn fàn.) – We’re going to a restaurant for dinner in the evening.
晚上十点钟以后请不要打扰我。 (Wǎn shàng shí diǎn zhōng yǐ hòu qǐng bù yào dǎ rǎo wǒ.) – Please don’t disturb me after 10 p.m. at night.
By familiarizing yourself with these prepositions of time in Chinese, you can effectively express various time frames in conversations. Practice using them in sentences and gradually expand your vocabulary to enhance your language skills. Remember to pay attention to the context and use the appropriate preposition to accurately convey when an action or event occurs.
Originally posted 2023-07-13 18:09:10.