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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "for a short while" with 一时 (yìshí) as an adverb

    HSK 5
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    一时 + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    As an adverb, 一时 means "for a moment" or "temporarily" and indicates that an action or state lasts only briefly. It often implies that the situation is not permanent or that something cannot be done right away. For example, 一时想不起来 means "can't recall for the moment."

    Examples

    • 他的名字我一时想不起来了。

      Tā de míngzi wǒ yìshí xiǎng bù qǐlái le.

      I can't recall his name at the moment.

    • 这个问题一时半会儿解决不了。

      Zhège wèntí yìshí bànhuìr jiějué bù liǎo.

      This problem can't be solved in a short while.

    • 她一时不知道该说什么好。

      Tā yìshí bù zhīdào gāi shuō shénme hǎo.

      She didn't know what to say for a moment.

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