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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'period' or 'duration' with 期间 (qījiān)

    Time Expressions

    Structure

    Event/Time + 期间 + Clause

    Explanation

    期间 (qījiān) is a noun meaning "period," "duration," or "during." It refers to a span of time within which events occur. It typically follows a time expression or event noun to specify when something takes place, functioning similarly to "during" in English.

    Examples

    • 考试期间请不要使用手机。

      Kǎoshì qījiān qǐng bú yào shǐyòng shǒujī.

      Please do not use your phone during the exam.

    • 暑假期间我打算去旅行。

      Shǔjià qījiān wǒ dǎsuàn qù lǚxíng.

      I plan to travel during summer vacation.

    • 她在北京工作期间学会了说普通话。

      Tā zài Běijīng gōngzuò qījiān xuéhuì le shuō pǔtōnghuà.

      She learned to speak Mandarin while working in Beijing.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing 'period' or 'duration' with 期间 (qījiān) | Chinese Grammar