的时候
Pattern
Phrase / clause + 的时候
Key words
Core idea
的时候 turns a phrase or clause into a “when” expression. It follows the time, situation, or event that names the moment.
The whole phrase can come before the main clause, or after the subject when it fits the sentence.
Usage boundary
Use this for “when” or “at the time of.” Do not put 的时候 before the clause it belongs to. It attaches after the phrase that defines the time.
Examples
我上课的时候，不看手机。
Wǒ shàngkè de shíhou, bù kàn shǒujī.
When I am in class, I do not look at my phone.
小的时候，我住在台南。
Xiǎo de shíhou, wǒ zhù zài Táinán.
When I was little, I lived in Tainan.
你有空的时候，请给我电话。
Nǐ yǒu kòng de shíhou, qǐng gěi wǒ diànhuà.
When you are free, please call me.
Common mistakes
Avoid
的时候我上课，不看手机。
Use
我上课的时候，不看手机。
的时候 follows the phrase or clause that names the time.
Seen in stories
When the Lighthouse Opens
邮差说，灯塔开门的时候，照片里的老管理员会来。
The mail carrier says the retired keeper in the photo comes when the lighthouse opens.
When the Lighthouse Opens
早上太阳出来的时候，他们在门口等。
When the sun comes out in the morning, they wait at the entrance.
When the Lighthouse Opens
中午起风的时候，他们还是在等。
When the wind rises at noon, they are still waiting.
When the Lighthouse Opens
下午下雨的时候，一位穿雨衣的阿伯也来躲雨。
When it rains in the afternoon, an elderly man in a raincoat also comes for shelter.
When the Lighthouse Opens
他说：“我每次开门的时候，都会先看看谁愿意陪我等天气。”
He says, “Every time I open the door, I first see who is willing to wait out the weather with me.”