Skip to content
What are some useful time expressions for B1 level Chinese visualisation

What are some useful time expressions for B1 level Chinese

Mastering Essential Chinese Vocabulary at B1 Level: What are some useful time expressions for B1 level Chinese
Learn with Comprenders App About Comprenders

For B1-level Chinese learners, mastering time expressions is essential for discussing schedules, past events, and future plans. Here are some useful time expressions categorized by their usage:

General Time References

  • 今天 (jīntiān) – Today
  • 昨天 (zuótiān) – Yesterday
  • 明天 (míngtiān) – Tomorrow
  • 现在 (xiànzài) – Now
  • 将来 (jiānglái) – In the future
  • 最近 (zuìjìn) – Recently
  • 以前 (yǐqián) – Before
  • 以后 (yǐhòu) – After

Frequency and Duration

  • 平时 (píngshí) – Normally; usually
  • 有时候 (yǒu shíhou) – Sometimes
  • 从来 (cónglái) – Never (used with negative verbs)
  • 一直 (yìzhí) – Always; continuously
  • 暂时 (zànshí) – Temporarily

Specific Moments

  • 早上 (zǎoshang) – Morning
  • 晚上 (wǎnshang) – Evening
  • 刚才 (gāngcái) – Just now
  • 马上 (mǎshàng) – Immediately
  • 已经 (yǐjīng) – Already

Advanced Time Expressions

  • 以来 (yǐlái) – Since
    • Example: 自从去年以来，我一直在学习中文。(Zìcóng qùnián yǐlái, wǒ yīzhí zài xuéxí Zhōngwén.) – Since last year, I have been studying Chinese.
  • 之前 / 之后 (zhīqián / zhīhòu) – Before / After
    • Example: 出国之前，他和女朋友分手了。(Chūguó zhīqián, tā hé nǚpéngyǒu fēnshǒu le.) – Before going abroad, he broke up with his girlfriend.

Examples in Context

Using these expressions in sentences can help solidify your understanding:

  1. 我最近很忙。(Wǒ zuìjìn hěn máng.) – I’ve been very busy recently.
  2. 明天晚上七点见。(Míngtiān wǎnshàng qī diǎn jiàn.) – See you tomorrow at 7 PM.
  3. 他刚才出去了。(Tā gāngcái chūqù le.) – He just went out.

These time expressions will enhance your ability to communicate about events and plans effectively in Chinese at the B1 level 1, 2, 6.

References

Open the App About Comprenders