Guide on How to Say “When” in Mandarin

Whether you are planning a trip to China, connecting with Mandarin-speaking friends, or simply want to expand your language skills, learning how to say “when” in Mandarin is essential. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express “when” in Mandarin, providing you with helpful tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.

Formal Expressions

If you find yourself in a formal setting or need to speak politely, the following expressions will come in handy:

1. Shénme shíhou – This is the most common and versatile way to ask “when” in Mandarin. It literally translates to “what time.” Use it when asking for a specific time or event. For example, “Shénme shíhou kāishǐ?” means “When does it start?”
2. Nǎ yī tiān – Similar to the previous expression, this phrase translates to “which day.” Use it to inquire about a specific day in relation to an event. For instance, you can ask “Nǎ yī tiān dào?” meaning “When will you arrive?”
3. Duō cháng shíjiān – When you want to ask “how long” in terms of duration, this expression is appropriate. For example, “Duō cháng shíjiān huílái?” means “When will you come back?”

Informal Expressions

If you’re in a casual or informal conversation, you can use the following expressions:

1. Jǐdiǎn – This term simply means “what time.” It is widely used in informal conversations when asking about a specific time. For instance, you can ask “Jǐdiǎn qù yīyuàn?” which translates to “When are you going to the hospital?”
2. Jǐ rì – Informally, “jǐ rì” means “which day.” It is commonly used when discussing future plans or arrangements. For example, you can say “Wǒmen qù jǐ rì?” meaning “When are we going?”
3. Duō jiǔ – When discussing duration or asking how long, “duō jiǔ” can be used. For instance, you can ask “Nǐ zài zhège dìfang liúduō jiǔ?” which means “How long have you been staying in this place?”

Regional Variations

Mandarin is spoken across various regions, and slight variations exist. Here are a few regional variations to be aware of:

Shanghainese: In Shanghai, instead of “shénme shíhou,” the locals say “shénme shíhòu.”

While these variations might exist, it’s important to note that Mandarin Chinese is generally understood throughout China.

Examples and Tips

To help you understand the usage of these expressions better, here are a few examples and tips:

1. When asking “When does the movie start?” in Mandarin, you can say “Shénme shíhou kāishǐ diànyǐng?”
2. If you want to know “When will she finish work?” you can ask “Tā shénme shíhou huì xiàbān?”
3. When making plans and asking “When are you available?” use the phrase “Nǐ shénme shíhou kěyǐ?”
4. In more casual situations, if you’re asking “When will they arrive?” you can say “Tāmen jǐdiǎn dào?”
5. A helpful tip is to combine these expressions with other time-related vocabulary words. For example, “Shénme shíhou” can be followed by “chīfàn” (meal) or “lǚxíng” (travel).

Remember, practice is key to mastering any language! Try using these expressions in conversations with native Mandarin speakers to become more comfortable with their usage.

With these formal and informal expressions, as well as regional variations, you’ll be well-equipped to express “when” in Mandarin. Have fun exploring the language and immersing yourself in its rich culture!