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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'when' or 'at the time of' with 当 (dāng)

    Condition
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    当 + Subject + Verb + 时

    Explanation

    当 (dāng) is a conjunction meaning 'when' or 'at the time of.' It introduces a time clause that sets the scene for the main action. It is often paired with 时 at the end of the clause, as in 当她走近时 (when she approached).

    Examples

    • 当我到家的时候，妈妈已经做好饭了。

      Dāng wǒ dào jiā de shíhou, māma yǐjīng zuò hǎo fàn le.

      By the time I got home, Mom had already finished cooking.

    • 当她听到这个消息时，非常高兴。

      Dāng tā tīng dào zhège xiāoxi shí, fēicháng gāoxìng.

      When she heard the news, she was very happy.

    • 当你不确定的时候，可以问我。

      Dāng nǐ bù quèdìng de shíhou, kěyǐ wèn wǒ.

      When you're not sure, you can ask me.

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    Expressing 'when' or 'at the time of' with 当 (dāng) | Chinese Grammar