Chinese phrases
How to say when in Chinese
When in Chinese is 什么时候 (shén me shí hou). For a time on the clock, ask 几点 (jǐ diǎn); for a day, ask 哪天 (nǎ tiān).
什么时候
when
什么时候 goes before the verb: 你什么时候来?, “When are you coming?”
Ways to say when
什么时候
Everydaywhen
The general when, for any time: 你什么时候有空?, “When are you free?”
几点
Everydaywhat time
For a time on the clock: 几点见?, “What time shall we meet?”
哪天
Everydaywhich day
When you make plans: 你哪天走?, “Which day are you leaving?”
几号
Everydaywhat date
For a date in the month: 你几号回来?, “What date are you back?”
多久
Everydayhow long
For a length of time, not a point in time: 要多久?, “How long does it take?”
啥时候
With friendswhen
Northern and casual: 你啥时候到?, “When do you get here?”
Common mistakes
Using 当 for “when”
当 never asks a question: say 你什么时候来? In a statement, 当 needs 的时候 after the clause: 当我到家的时候. In speech, people usually drop 当: 我到家的时候.
Putting the time after the verb
Time words go before the verb: 你几点上班?, “What time do you start work?” Do not put 几点 or 什么时候 at the end, the way English puts “at nine” after the verb.
Putting 多久 before the verb
For how long something has lasted, 多久 comes after the verb: 你学中文多久了?, “How long have you been learning Chinese?”
Making plans
你什么时候有空？
Qiqi: When are you free?
周六。
Leon: Saturday.
几点？
Qiqi: What time?
下午三点吧。
Leon: Three in the afternoon?
好，周六见！
Qiqi: OK, see you Saturday!
More Chinese phrases
- What time is it现在几点 · xiàn zài jǐ diǎn
- Where哪里 · nǎ li
- What什么 · shén me
- Why为什么 · wèi shén me
- Wait等一下 · děng yí xià
