Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “this week” in Mandarin Chinese. Whether you want to learn the formal or informal ways, we’ll cover it all here. Mandarin Chinese, being a rich and diverse language, offers different expressions for “this week.” So, let’s dive in and explore various ways to express this concept in Mandarin.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “This Week”
When it comes to formal situations or conversations, it is important to use proper Mandarin Chinese expressions. Here are a few options:
1. 本周 (běn zhōu)
“本周” is a formal term that translates to “this week.” It is commonly used in written language, official documents, news, and formal speeches.
Example: 本周的会议将在周四下午三点举行。 (Běn zhōu de huì yì jiāng zài zhōu sì xià wǔ sān diǎn jǔ xíng.)
Translation: The meeting for this week will be held on Thursday afternoon at 3 o’clock.
2. 这周 (zhè zhōu)
Another formal way to say “this week” is “这周.” It is commonly used in both written and spoken formal contexts.
Example: 这周是我们公司的年会。 (Zhè zhōu shì wǒ men gōng sī de nián huì.)
Translation: This week is our company’s annual meeting.
Informal Ways to Say “This Week”
In informal conversations or casual settings, native Mandarin speakers often use different expressions to refer to “this week.” Let’s explore some of them now:
1. 这个星期 (zhè ge xīng qī)
“这个星期” is a commonly used informal expression for “this week.” It is a straightforward way to convey the same meaning in casual conversations.
Example: 这个星期天我打算去爬山。 (Zhè ge xīng qī tiān wǒ dǎ suàn qù pá shān.)
Translation: I plan to go hiking this week.
2. 这礼拜 (zhè lǐ bài)
“这礼拜” is another informal alternative to express “this week” in Mandarin Chinese. It is commonly used in daily conversations among friends and family.
Example: 这礼拜有什么计划吗？ (Zhè lǐ bài yǒu shén me jì huà ma?)
Translation: Do you have any plans for this week?
Tips for Using “This Week” in Mandarin Chinese
1. Context Matters
When using any of the aforementioned expressions, remember to consider the context. Understand the level of formality required and adjust your choice accordingly. The formal options are more suitable for professional settings or written communication, while the informal ones are great for casual conversations.
2. Pay Attention to Tones
Mandarin Chinese is a tonal language, so ensure you pronounce the tones correctly while saying “this week.” The tones can differentiate the meaning, so practicing the correct tone is vital for effective communication.
3. Practice Common Phrases
Expanding your knowledge beyond just “this week” is valuable. Familiarize yourself with common phrases related to time, such as “next week,” “last week,” “every week,” or “the week before last.” This will enhance your overall language skills and enable you to express yourself more fluently.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned various ways to say “this week” in Mandarin Chinese. Remember, “本周” and “这周” are more formal, whereas “这个星期” and “这礼拜” are informal alternatives. Practice pronouncing these expressions with the correct tones, and pay attention to the context to choose the most appropriate term. Your Mandarin Chinese skills are on their way to improving, allowing you to engage in formal and informal conversations confidently. Keep practicing and exploring more phrases to enhance your language abilities. 加油！(Jiā yóu!) Good luck!
