adjective / verb HSK 4
Traditional 守時
punctual · to be on time · to keep to a schedule
Meaning
守时 means being punctual or arriving at the agreed-upon time. It combines 守 (to guard/keep) and 时 (time), literally meaning 'to guard time.' This word emphasizes the social value of respecting others' time and keeping commitments.
Usage
Commonly used to describe people who consistently arrive on time or to praise punctuality as a virtue. Often appears in formal contexts like work evaluations or character descriptions. The opposite 不守时 (bù shǒu shí) is a common criticism in Chinese culture where punctuality is highly valued.
Examples
- 01他是一个很守时的人，从来不迟到。, .He is a very punctual person and never arrives late.
- 02在职场上守时很重要，这体现了你的责任心。, .Being punctual is very important in the workplace; it reflects your sense of responsibility.
Characters
Common collocations
- 守时的人punctual person
- 很守时very punctual
- 不守时not punctual, unpunctual
Antonyms
Origin
Formed from classical Chinese where 守 means 'to observe/keep' (as in rules or principles) and 时 means 'time.' The compound emphasizes the moral aspect of keeping to time commitments.