星期几
The English phrase "day of the week" is translated into Chinese as 星期几.
The term xingqi means "week".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 星期 (week) and 几 (how many/which), literally meaning 'which week day'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike other days that use numbers 1-6, Sunday is expressed using 天 (day) or 日 (sun) instead of a number.
Did you know?
- Ancient Chinese calendars were based on a 'ten-day week' known as 旬, a system that predates the modern seven-day week used with 星期.
- The character 星 means 'star' and 期 means 'period of time', meaning the Chinese word for 'week' literally describes a 'star period' based on ancient astrological calendars.
- While 星期 is the standard term for 'week', you will often hear the word 礼拜 used instead, which originates from the word 'worship' and reflects early Christian influence in China.
Examples in context
- 昨天星期几?Yesterday was what day of the week?This sentence is useful for asking what day of the week yesterday was using 星期几.Tatoeba #5575489 by grindeldore, translation #5573371 by n1ls
- 我在星期一上班。I work on Monday.
- 我们计划在星期六去旅行。We plan to travel on Saturday.
- 星期二是我的生日。Tuesday is my birthday.
- 我礼拜一有个重要的会议。I have an important meeting on Monday.
- 他们礼拜六要去看电影。They will go to watch a movie on Saturday.
- 礼拜三是我们公司的休息日。Wednesday is our company's day off.
Example conversation
Two friends are checking their schedules for a movie.
- 梓涵 Zihan我们什么时候去看电影？Wǒmen shénme shíhòu qù kàn diànyǐng?When are we going to see the movie?
- 志强 Zhiqiang你下个星期几有空？Nǐ xià ge xīngqījǐ yǒu kòng?Which day of the week next week are you free?
- 梓涵 Zihan我星期六比较方便。Wǒ xīngqīliù bǐjiào fāngbiàn.Saturday is more convenient for me.
- 志强 Zhiqiang好，那就星期六见。Hǎo, nà jiù xīngqīliù jiàn.Okay, see you on Saturday then.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
