Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “schedule” in Chinese! In this guide, we will cover both the formal and informal ways to express this concept. We will also explore regional variations if necessary. So let’s dive in and learn some useful vocabulary, phrases, and expressions!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Schedule” in Chinese:
When speaking in a formal context, such as during business meetings or official events, the most common word for “schedule” in Chinese is “日程表” (rì chéng biǎo). It consists of two characters: “日” meaning “day” and “程表” meaning “schedule.”
Example:
我会安排好我们的日程表。 (Wǒ huì ānpái hǎo wǒmen de rì chéng biǎo.)
I will arrange our schedule.
2. Informal Ways to Say “Schedule” in Chinese:
When you’re speaking casually with friends or family, you may want to use a less formal term. Here are a few options:
- 安排 (ān pái) – This word means “to arrange” or “to plan” and is commonly used to refer to a schedule in informal settings. It can be used as both a noun and a verb.
- 日程 (rì chéng) – This term is more concise and directly represents “schedule” in Chinese. It can also be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Examples:
- 我们需要安排一个会议日程。 (Wǒmen xūyào ānpái yīgè huìyì rì chéng.)
We need to arrange a meeting schedule. - 我这周的日程安排得很满。 (Wǒ zhè zhōu de rì chéng ān pái dé hěn mǎn.)
My schedule for this week is very full.
3. Regional Variations:
Chinese is a vast language with various regional dialects. While the previously mentioned terms are commonly understood across different regions, some variations also exist:
- 行程 (xíng chéng) – This term is commonly used in Taiwan to refer to a schedule or itinerary, especially related to trips or travel arrangements.
- 日程安排 (rì chéng ān pái) – This slightly longer phrase is often used in Hong Kong and Macau, and it conveys the same meaning as “schedule” or “itinerary.”
Examples:
- 我们需要安排旅行的行程。 (Wǒmen xūyào ānpái lǚxíng de xíng chéng.)
We need to arrange the travel itinerary. - 请将会议的详细日程安排发送给我。 (Qǐng jiāng huìyì de xiángxì rì chéng ān pái fāsòng gěi wǒ.)
Please send me the detailed schedule of the meeting.
Conclusion:
In this guide, we have explored different ways to say “schedule” in Chinese. In formal settings, “日程表” (rì chéng biǎo) can be used, while in informal conversations, “安排” (ān pái) and “日程” (rì chéng) are commonly used. We have also discussed some regional variations such as “行程” (xíng chéng) in Taiwan and “日程安排” (rì chéng ān pái) in Hong Kong and Macau.
Now armed with this knowledge, you can confidently navigate schedule-related conversations in Chinese. Practice using these terms in various contexts to improve your language skills. Happy scheduling!