这个月
zhè ge yuè
In Chinese, 'this month' is said as 这个月 (zhè ge yuè).
The phrase refers to the current calendar month in which the speaker is presently living.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 这 (this), 个 (a classifier/measure word) and 月 (month).
Which one should you use?
To talk about the past or future, Chinese uses different spatial terms: 'last month' is expressed as 上个月 (literally 'above month') and 'next month' is expressed as 下个月 (literally 'below month').
Is it said differently in some regions?
The variation 今个月 is used in some areas to mean 'this month'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the demonstrative 这 with the noun 月, you must include the measure word 个 between them.
How do you pronounce it?
zhè ge yuè
Did you know?
- The character 月 originates from a drawing of a crescent moon, which was used in ancient China to track the passage of months based on lunar cycles.
- In Chinese, the conceptual 'up' in 上个月 and 'down' in 下个月 align with a mental timeline where the past is above and the future is below, rather than the left-to-right linear timeline common in English.
- Because the measure word 个 is so common, it is often pronounced with a very short, neutral tone, making 这个月 sound like only two words.
Examples in context
- 这个月我过得有点艰难。This month was kind of difficult.The sentence is useful for describing the quality of the time spent during 这个月.Tatoeba #8730053 by crescat, translation #1556870 by brymck
- 这个月我真的什么都没做就结束了。This month really flew by without me doing anything at all.The sentence is useful for expressing how quickly 这个月 passed.Tatoeba #8936324 by crescat, translation #2693919 by WestofEden
- 我这个月要减少开支。I have to reduce my expenses this month.The sentence is useful for stating a financial goal for 这个月.Tatoeba #351246 by fucongcong, translation #257503 by sysko
- 本月是一月份。This month is January.
- 当月销售额创纪录。The sales volume this month broke the record.
- 这个月我得好好准备考试。I need to prepare for the exam this month.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Jiayi are talking about their schedules at a cafe.
- 志强 Zhiqiang佳怡，你这个月很忙吗？Jiāyí, nǐ zhège yuè hěn máng ma?Jiayi, are you very busy this month?
- 佳怡 Jiayi是的，我这个月有很多工作。Shì de, wǒ zhège yuè yǒu hěnduō gōngzuò.Yes, I have a lot of work this month.
- 志强 Zhiqiang那你需要休息一下。Nà nǐ xūyào xiūxí yīxià.Then you need to take a rest.
- 佳怡 Jiayi谢谢，我会的。Xièxiè, wǒ huì de.Thanks, I will.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
