这周
zhè zhōu
The English phrase "this week" is translated into Mandarin as 这周 (zhè zhōu).
The phrase refers to the current week and functions as an adverb.
Meaning: in the current week (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
这周 consists of 这 (zhè), meaning 'this' and 周 (zhōu), meaning 'week'.
Which one should you use?
While 这周 is a standard way to express this time period, you may also encounter 这星期 (zhè xīng qī).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Mandarin, time phrases like 这周 are typically placed at the beginning of the sentence or before the verb, rather than at the end of the sentence as is common in English.
How do you pronounce it?
zhè zhōu
Did you know?
- The character 星 in the alternative phrase 这星期 actually means 'star'. Therefore, 'this week' literally translates to 'this star period' in a very literal sense.
- In Mandarin, 周 (zhōu) can be used as an adjective meaning 'comprehensive' or 'all-around'. This usage stems from the character's original meaning of a circle that encompasses everything.
- The word 周 (zhōu) is a homophone for one of the most important ancient dynasties in Chinese history. This means the word for 'week' shares the same sound and character as a royal lineage.
Examples in context
- 这周我非常忙。I'm very busy this week.This sentence shows how to use 这周 to describe a state of being.Tatoeba #8692954 by crescat, translation #242108 by CK
- 我这周干了很多活。I worked a lot this week.This sentence uses 这周 to describe an amount of work completed.Tatoeba #8936504 by crescat, translation #1160551 by Eldad
- 这周放什么电影？What movies are playing this week?This sentence uses 这周 to inquire about a schedule.Tatoeba #333221 by fucongcong, translation #242086 by CK
- 本周的会议将在周四下午三点举行。The meeting for this week will be held on Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock.
- 这周是我们公司的年会。This week is our company's annual meeting.
- 这礼拜有什么计划吗？Do you have any plans for this week?
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their schedules over the phone.
- 佳怡 Jiayi伟，你这周有空吗？Wěi, nǐ zhè zhōu yǒu kòng ma?Wei, are you free this week?
- 伟 Wei这周我很忙，下周可以吗？Zhè zhōu wǒ hěn máng, xià zhōu kěyǐ ma?I am busy this week, is next week okay?
- 佳怡 Jiayi没问题，那下周见。Méi wèntí, nà xià zhōu jiàn.No problem, see you next week then.
- 伟 Wei好的，下周见。Hǎo de, xià zhōu jiàn.Okay, see you next week.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
