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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "when" with 时候 (shíhou) for specific moments

    HSK 2
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    那个/这个 + 时候

    Explanation

    时候 (shíhou) can also refer to a specific moment or point in time. In this usage, it often combines with demonstratives like 那个 or 这个 to pinpoint an exact occasion, as in "at that time" or "at this moment."

    Examples

    • 那个时候我还在上大学，什么都不懂。

      Nàge shíhou wǒ hái zài shàng dàxué, shénme dōu bù dǒng.

      At that time I was still in college and didn't understand anything.

    • 你说的是哪个时候？我不太记得了。

      Nǐ shuō de shì nǎge shíhou? Wǒ bú tài jìde le.

      Which time are you talking about? I don't quite remember.

    • 就是这个时候，他突然推门进来了。

      Jiù shì zhège shíhou, tā tūrán tuī mén jìnlái le.

      It was right at that moment that he suddenly pushed the door open and came in.

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    Expressing "when" with 时候 (shíhou) for specific moments | Chinese Grammar