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How to Say ‘When’ in Simplified Chinese

什么时候

💬 Usage Tip: Combine [什么] and [时候] to ask 'when'.

🇨🇳 In China: Just like in English, knowing the specific context can be crucial for appropriate usage.

Word-by-Word Breakdown

什么

[shén me]

what time

Used to ask for the specific time something will happen.

Example

你什么时候回来?

When will you come back?

时候

[shí hòu]

time

Used to denote a certain time or period.

Example

我们可以安排一个时候见面。

We can arrange a time to meet.

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