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    Chinese Grammar

    When the time comes with 到时候 (dào shíhou)

    HSK 5
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    到时候 + Clause

    Explanation

    到时候 (dào shíhou) is used to refer to a future point in time, meaning "when the time comes" or "by then." It introduces what will happen or what someone plans to do at that anticipated moment.

    Examples

    • 到时候我们一起去机场接他吧。

      Dào shíhou wǒmen yìqǐ qù jīchǎng jiē tā ba.

      When the time comes, let's go to the airport together to pick him up.

    • 你先准备好，到时候我来叫你。

      Nǐ xiān zhǔnbèi hǎo, dào shíhòu wǒ lái jiào nǐ.

      Get yourself ready first, and I'll come get you when it's time.

    • 到时候天气应该会暖和一些。

      Dào shíhòu tiānqì yīnggāi huì nuǎnhuo yīxiē.

      The weather should be a bit warmer by then.

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