HSK 4 · VERSION 2.0#103
Comparing “yǐhòu” and “de shíhou”
以后 vs 的时候
How it works
Both words relate to time, but they describe different relationships.
The difference
以后 (yǐhòu) = after
的时候 (de shíhou) = when / during the time that
Example sentences
吃完饭以后我们去散步。
After eating, we will go for a walk.
吃饭的时候不要看手机。
Do not look at your phone while eating.
他来中国以后进步很快。 / 我认识他的时候,他还不会说汉语。
After he came to China, he improved quickly. / When I met him, he still could not speak Chinese.
Key point
以后 (yǐhòu) focuses on what happens after a point. 的时候 (de shíhou) focuses on the time during which something happens.