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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "at one point" with 一度 (yídù)

    HSK 5
    Aspect & Tense
    Time Expressions

    Structure

    Subject + 一度 + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    一度 is an adverb meaning "at one point" or "for a period of time," used to describe something that happened temporarily in the past. It implies that the situation no longer continues in the present. For example, 他一度想放弃 means "at one point he almost wanted to give up."

    Examples

    • 他一度想放弃学业去创业。

      Tā yídù xiǎng fàngqì xuéyè qù chuàngyè.

      He once thought about dropping out of school to start a business.

    • 那家公司一度是行业第一，后来被超越了。

      Nà jiā gōngsī yídù shì hángyè dì yī, hòulái bèi chāoyuè le.

      That company was once number one in the industry, but was later surpassed.

    • 我一度以为他不会来了。

      Wǒ yídù yǐwéi tā bú huì lái le.

      I once thought he wasn't going to come.

    Often Confused With