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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to monitor' or 'every moment' with 刻 (kè)

    Aspect & Tense
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    时刻 + Verb + 着 + Object

    Explanation

    The character 刻 (kè) can mean 'to carve' or 'a moment in time.' In the expression 时刻 (shíkè), it means 'at all times' or 'every moment,' emphasizing constant vigilance. When paired with 着, it conveys ongoing, attentive monitoring of a situation.

    Examples

    • 妈妈时刻关注着孩子的安全。

      māma shíkè guānzhùzhe háizi de ānquán.

      The mother watches over her child's safety at all times.

    • 他每时每刻都在想这个问题。

      tā měi shí měi kè dōu zài xiǎng zhège wèntí.

      He thinks about this problem every moment.

    • 我们必须时刻保持警惕，不能放松。

      wǒmen bìxū shíkè bǎochí jǐngtì, bùnéng fàngsōng.

      We must stay vigilant at all times and cannot let our guard down.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing 'to monitor' or 'every moment' with 刻 (kè) | Chinese Grammar