Definition
Though the dictionary labels 到时 as a verb-object compound (到 'arrive' + 时 'time'), in modern Chinese it functions primarily as a time conjunction meaning 'by that time' or 'when the time comes'. You'll hear it at the start of a clause: 到时再说 ('we'll talk when the time comes'). The verb-object reading ('to arrive at the time') is possible but rare.
v.o.
(verb-object) to reach the appointed time
Examples
- 到时，。Wǒmen dào shí le, kěyǐ kāishǐ le.We have reached the time; we can start.
- 到时，。Tā dào shí de shíhou, dàjiā yǐjīng zhǔnbèi hǎo le.When he arrived at the time, everyone was already prepared.
- 到时，。Huìyì dào shí le, qǐng dàjiā ānjìng.The meeting has reached the time; please be quiet.
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