Definition
之际 (zhī jì) is a formal, literary noun meaning 'at the time of, during' — used in written Chinese to mark a specific moment or period. Unlike 中 or 中间, which are neutral and can describe ongoing processes, 之际 emphasizes a precise temporal point, often in set phrases like 离别之际. It is more elevated than 当 or 当时, which are common in speech.
noun
at the time ofduring (formal/literary)
Easily confused
- 知己zhī jǐsound-alike(noun) intimate friend, bosom friend
Examples
- 之际，。Zài líbié zhī jì, dàjiā dōu kū le.At the time of parting, everyone cried.
- 之际，。Zài bǐsài zhī jì, xuǎnshǒumen dōu hěn jǐnzhāng.At the time of the competition, the contestants were all nervous.
- 之际，。Zài cǐ cì wēijī zhī jì, wǒmen xūyào bǎochí lěngjìng.At the time of this crisis, we need to stay calm.
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