HSK 2 · VERSION 2.0#21
Expressing “When” with “de shíhou”
的时候
How it works
的时候 means “when” and introduces the time when something happens.
The pattern
Time / Verb Phrase + 的时候
Example sentences
我小的时候住在北京。
When I was little, I lived in Beijing.
吃饭的时候不要看手机。
Do not look at your phone when eating.
我回家的时候看见了他。
I saw him when I was going home.
Usage note
This is one of the most useful time-linking structures in HSK2.