时期 (shí qī) — Chinese Word

noun HSK 4

Traditional 時期

shí qī

period · phase · era · time period

Meaning

时期 refers to a distinct span or period of time, often characterized by particular events, conditions, or developments. It emphasizes a stage or phase within a longer timeframe, and can refer to historical eras, developmental stages, or any defined temporal segment.

Usage

时期 is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe historical periods, life stages, or phases of development. It often appears with descriptive modifiers (e.g., 战争时期 'wartime period', 童年时期 'childhood period'). Native speakers frequently use it when discussing history, personal development, or societal changes.

Examples

01
在那个时期，中国经历了巨大的变化。
Zài nàge shí qī, Zhōng guó jīng lì le jù dà de biàn huà.
During that period, China experienced enormous changes.
02
青春时期是人生中最美好的阶段。
Qīng chūn shí qī shì rén shēng zhōng zuì měi hǎo de jiē duàn.
The period of youth is the most beautiful stage of life.

Characters

Measure words

个gè一个时期

Common collocations

战争时期
zhàn zhēng shí qī
wartime period
过渡时期
guò dù shí qī
transition period
童年时期
tóng nián shí qī
childhood period
发展时期
fā zhǎn shí qī
period of development

Origin

时 originally meant 'time' or 'season', while 期 meant 'appointed time' or 'expected period'. Together they form a compound meaning a defined segment of time.