Greetings! If you are interested in learning how to say “this week” in Chinese, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want to communicate formally or informally, I will cover all the essential phrases, tips, and variations you need to know. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “This Week” in Chinese
When communicating in a formal context, such as in business or academic settings, it is crucial to use the appropriate expressions. Here are some formal ways to convey the idea of “this week” in Chinese:
上个星期 (shàng gè xīngqī)
– This phrase means “last week” in Chinese. However, it can also refer to the week immediately preceding the current one. So, in some formal contexts, it can be used to mean “this week.” Note that this usage may vary depending on the specific situation.
这星期 (zhè xīngqī)
– This expression directly translates to “this week” and is the most common way to convey the concept formally. It is appropriate for use in business meetings, official presentations, and professional conversations.
2. Informal Ways to Say “This Week” in Chinese
When speaking with friends, family, or in casual conversations, you can use more relaxed and informal expressions to say “this week” in Chinese. Here are a few options:
这个礼拜 (zhè gè lǐbài)
– This informal phrase translates to “this week” and is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is suitable for both spoken and written informal communication with friends and family.
这周 (zhè zhōu)
– This shortened version of “this week” is frequently used in spoken Chinese and informal written exchanges, such as text messages and social media. It provides a more casual and relaxed tone.
3. Tips and Examples
To help you further understand and use these phrases correctly, here are some handy tips and examples:
3.1. Usage Examples
- Formal Example:
Speaker 1: “我们下周的会议将在哪里举行?” (Wǒmen xià zhōu de huìyì jiāng zài nǎlǐ jǔxíng?)
Speaker 2: “会议将在这星期的议事厅召开.” (Huìyì jiāng zài zhè xīngqī de yìshìtīng zhàokāi.)
Translation: “Where will our meeting next week take place?”
“The meeting will be held in the conference room this week.” - Informal Example:
Speaker 1: “我们这个礼拜有什么计划?” (Wǒmen zhè gè lǐbài yǒu shénme jìhuà?)
Speaker 2: “我们可以一起去看电影” (Wǒmen kěyǐ yīqǐ qù kàn diànyǐng.)
Translation: “What are our plans this week?”
“We can go watch a movie together.”
3.2. Politeness Matters
When using any of the above phrases, remember that politeness is highly valued in Chinese culture. Add polite particles like “请” (qǐng) meaning “please” or use honorific terms appropriately when necessary, depending on the situation and the person you are addressing. These small additions can make a big difference in your overall communication style.
3.3. Regional Variations
Chinese is spoken across various regions and dialects, so there might be slight regional variations in how “this week” is expressed informally. However, the phrases mentioned above are widely understood and used throughout China, regardless of regional differences.
Generally, Mandarin Chinese is the official language in mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore, making the aforementioned phrases suitable for use in most formal and informal situations.
Wrapping Up
Congratulations! You’ve learned the formal and informal ways to say “this week” in Chinese. Remember to use the appropriate expressions based on the level of formality required in a given context. Keep practicing by incorporating these phrases into your conversations, written exchanges, and everyday Chinese language learning activities.
I hope this guide has been helpful in expanding your Chinese vocabulary. 加油! (Jiāyóu!) – Keep up the good work!
