Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to that time with 当时 (dāngshí)

    Time Expressions

    Structure

    当时 + Subject + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    The noun 当时 (dāngshí) means "at that time" or "then" and refers to a specific moment in the past that has already been established in context. It anchors a statement to a previously mentioned time frame, helping to set the scene for past events.

    Examples

    • 当时我还是个学生，什么都不懂。

      Dāngshí wǒ hái shì ge xuéshēng, shénme dōu bù dǒng.

      At that time I was still a student and didn't understand anything.

    • 当时的情况非常紧急，没有时间多想。

      Dāngshí de qíngkuàng fēicháng jǐnjí, méiyǒu shíjiān duō xiǎng.

      The situation at that time was very urgent; there was no time to think.

    • 她回忆说，当时街上一个人都没有。

      Tā huíyì shuō, dāngshí jiē shàng yī ge rén dōu méiyǒu.

      She recalled that at the time, there wasn't a single person on the street.

    Similar Grammar

    Often Confused With

    Referring to that time with 当时 (dāngshí) | Chinese Grammar